National Day around the world in 2024

National Day around the world in 2024
The skyline of Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is dominated by the World Trade Centre. Image by Dudlajzov , via Deposit Photos
  How long until National Day?
National Day
  Dates of National Day around the world
2026 BahrainDec 16, Dec 17
Bahrain Thu, Dec 17National Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Wed, Dec 16National Holiday
2025 BahrainDec 16, Dec 17
Bahrain Wed, Dec 17National Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Tue, Dec 16National Holiday
2024 BahrainDec 16, Dec 17
Bahrain Tue, Dec 17National Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Mon, Dec 16National Holiday
2023 BahrainDec 16, Dec 17, Dec 18
Bahrain Mon, Dec 18National Holiday (in lieu)
Bahrain Sun, Dec 17National Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Sat, Dec 16National Holiday
2022 BahrainDec 16, Dec 17, Dec 18, Dec 19
Bahrain Mon, Dec 19Government Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Sun, Dec 18Government Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Sat, Dec 17National Holiday (additional day)
Bahrain Fri, Dec 16National Holiday
  Summary

Accession Day of Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the first Emir of Bahrain, in 1961.

When is Bahraini National Day?

This public holiday is always celebrated on December 16th. The holidays last for two days with December 17th also a public holiday.

The holidays mark former ruler, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa coming to the throne in 1961. December 16th is the National Day of Bahrain, also known as the "Pearl of the Gulf."

History of Bahraini National Day

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. From the 1860s, Bahrain had been a British protectorate.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was made the first emir of Bahrain from 1961 until his death. Born in Jasra, he became emir upon the death of his father, Salman ibn Hamad.

During his 38 year reign, Bahrain gained its independence from the United Kingdom on August 15th 1971, and Bahrain underwent an economic transformation into a modern nation and a key financial center in the Persian Gulf area.

At the age of 65, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa died of a heart attack on March 6th 1999 at the al Sakhir Palace in Manama shortly after his meeting with the United States defense secretary William Cohen. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

How is Bahraini National Day celebrated?

Celebrations include fireworks displays, cultural shows, contests, exhibitions, and entertainment such as magic and laser shows, concerts, and acrobatic performances. It is often the time for the announcement of new projects by the government. Many of the country’s renowned landmarks, such as the Riffa Clock Tower, are festooned with the national flag, and lights; and flowers are planted to brighten many of its main streets.


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