Date
Saturday
May
24

May 24

Empire Day

On Empire Day, honor the rich history and achievements of your nation with patriotic festivities and pride. Long live the empire!

Yearly Date
May 24
Type
Day
Category
Federal

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the British Empire and its history on Empire Day, which falls on May 24! This holiday was first created in 1902 to honor the birthday of Queen Victoria, who played a significant role in expanding the British Empire. Over time, Empire Day evolved into a celebration of all things related to the British Empire and its impact on the world. From cultural traditions to architectural marvels, there's so much to appreciate and commemorate on this day. So let's raise our Union Jack flags high and pay homage to this influential empire!

Empire Day Timeline

1902
Establishment of Empire Day
Empire Day was established to commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria, a key figure in the expansion of the British Empire.
1911
First Major Empire Day Celebrations
Recorded as the first major Empire Day celebration, involving parades, flag-raising ceremonies, school festivals and patriotic songs.
1925
Empire Day Act
The UK Parliament enacts The Empire Day Act, officially recognizing May 24 as a dedicated day to celebrate the British Empire.
1945
Name Change to Commonwealth Day
To keep abreast with changing times, the holiday's name was changed from Empire Day to Commonwealth Day after World War II.
1958
Shift of Commonwealth Day
The date for celebration was shifted from May 24th to the second Monday in March, leaving the original date referred to as Empire Day in certain circles.
2015
Resurgence of Empire Day Observance
Growing interest and nostalgia sees a resurgence in the observance and celebration of Empire Day, particularly within history enthusiast groups.

How to Celebrate Empire Day

1

Host an Empire themed party

Invite friends and family over for a fun and festive Empire themed party. Decorate with flags, symbols, and colors representing the Empire and serve traditional dishes from different countries within the former British Empire.

2

Take a historical tour

Explore the history of the British Empire by taking a tour of historical sites or museums that showcase its impact. This can be a great way to learn more about the history of Empire Day and its significance.

3

Watch an Empire-related movie or TV show

Gather some friends or family and watch a movie or TV show related to the British Empire. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate the day and learn more about its history and influence.

4

Attend a cultural event

Look for events in your local area that celebrate the diversity and influence of the British Empire. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about different cultures and traditions within the former Empire.

5

Raise a glass to the Empire

Gather with friends or family and raise a glass to toast the British Empire and its impact on history. This can be a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate Empire Day.

Why Empire Day is Important

A

Empire Day celebrates British heritage and history

On Empire Day, we remember and celebrate the contributions of the British Empire to our world. It's a chance to reflect on the rich cultural diversity and historic achievements of this vast empire, and appreciate the impact it has had on our modern society.

B

It promotes unity and pride within the Commonwealth nations

Empire Day is celebrated in many countries that were once part of the British Empire, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This holiday serves as a reminder of the shared history, values, and culture between these nations, promoting unity and a sense of belonging within the Commonwealth community.

C

It recognizes the impact of colonialism and inspires reflection on its legacy

While Empire Day was originally created to celebrate British imperialism, over time it has evolved to acknowledge the negative impacts of colonialism and imperialism. This day serves as a reminder to reflect on the consequences of these actions and to strive for a more equitable and just world.

Empire Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 23
Tuesday
2024
May 23
Thursday
2025
May 23
Friday
2026
May 23
Saturday
2027
May 23
Sunday