Constitution Days celebrate a nation’s foundational law—its constitution—and the moment it took shape, whether at drafting, signing, ratification, or promulgation. While some countries close offices for parades and ceremonies, others treat Constitution Day as a civic observance with lessons, speeches, or court open houses. This guide compares how and why nations mark their constitution anniversary, and highlights which observances are public holidays versus commemorative days.

What is Constitution Day?

Constitution Day is a national observance that commemorates the creation or entry into force of a country’s constitution. The chosen date typically aligns with one of several milestones in the constitution’s life cycle, and traditions range from children’s parades and flag displays to citizenship ceremonies and classroom readings of the preamble.

Which moment do countries choose to honor?

Different legal milestones can define “the birth” of a nation’s basic law. Countries often pick one of these:

  • Drafting/adoption by assembly: A constitutional convention or legislature adopts the text (e.g., Ukraine adopted its 1996 Constitution on June 28).
  • Signing: Delegates or leaders sign the document (e.g., the United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787).
  • Ratification: Voters approve by referendum or states/regions ratify (e.g., Spain marks the 1978 referendum on December 6).
  • Promulgation: The head of state formally proclaims the constitution, making it legally effective (e.g., Mexico commemorates the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution on February 5).
  • Entry into force: The date the constitution legally begins to operate (e.g., Japan celebrates May 3, 1947, when its postwar constitution took effect).

Those choices reflect legal culture and political history: countries emerging from revolutions often honor promulgation; those with plebiscites highlight ratification; and states shaped by constituent assemblies may favor the adoption vote or signing.

How countries observe Constitution Day

Across the world, Constitution Day ceremonies aim to build civic understanding and national identity. Common elements include:

  • Parades and flag displays: Child-centered parades (Norway), civil and military ceremonies (Poland, Thailand), and national flag protocols.
  • Civic lessons and school programs: Preamble readings (India), classroom modules (U.S.), mock parliaments, and debates.
  • Citizenship and oath ceremonies: Naturalization events and reaffirmations of constitutional values.
  • Open courts and parliament open days: Tours, moot courts, and talks by judges and legislators (Japan, Spain, Germany).
  • Public addresses: Presidential or parliamentary speeches reflecting constitutional milestones and current priorities.
  • Community activities: Concerts, fairs, cultural showcases, and exhibitions of historical documents.

Some countries weave Constitution Day into broader national celebrations—Golden Week in Japan or National Day in Iceland—while others keep the focus squarely on constitutional education and legal awareness.

Is Constitution Day a public holiday?

Many countries designate a non-working public holiday, while others observe a working-day commemoration. A few operate in between (e.g., short-day observances, or Monday transfers for long weekends).

Generally non-working public holidays

  • Mexico – Constitution Day: February 5 (legally observed on the first Monday in February).
  • Norway – Constitution Day: May 17.
  • Japan – Constitution Memorial Day: May 3 (part of Golden Week).
  • Poland – Constitution Day: May 3.
  • Ukraine – Constitution Day: June 28.
  • Iceland – National Day: June 17 (marks the 1944 constitution and republic).
  • Slovakia – Constitution Day: September 1.
  • Nepal – Constitution Day: September 20.
  • Cambodia – Constitution Day: September 24.
  • Dominican Republic – Constitution Day: November 6 (often moved to Monday).
  • Tajikistan – Constitution Day: November 6.
  • Azerbaijan – Constitution Day: November 12.
  • Armenia – Constitution Day: July 5.
  • Kazakhstan – Constitution Day: August 30.
  • Kyrgyzstan – Constitution Day: May 5.
  • Turkmenistan – Constitution Day (with Magtymguly’s Poetry Day): May 18.
  • Uzbekistan – Constitution Day: December 8.
  • Thailand – Constitution Day: December 10.
  • Spain – Constitution Day: December 6.
  • Kosovo – Constitution Day: April 9.
  • North Korea – Constitution Day: December 27.

Note: Some observances shift to create long weekends (e.g., Mexico, Dominican Republic). Always check the year’s official calendar.

Commemorative or working-day observances

  • United States – Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: September 17 (schools receiving federal funds must offer Constitution-related instruction; not a federal public holiday).
  • India – Constitution Day: November 26 (adoption in 1949; widespread civic programs; not a public holiday).
  • South Korea – Constitution Day: July 17 (national observance; since 2008 not a non-working holiday).
  • Denmark – Constitution Day: June 5 (widely observed, many businesses close or reduce hours, but not an official public holiday).
  • Russia – Constitution Day: December 12 (official observance; working day since 2005).
  • China – National Constitution Day: December 4 (legal-awareness events; not a public holiday).
  • Germany – Basic Law Day: May 23 (commemorative; working day).
  • Australia – Constitution Day: July 9 (civic and educational events; not a public holiday).
  • Romania – Constitution Day: December 8 (commemorative).
  • Moldova – Constitution Day: July 29 (commemorative).
  • Lithuania – Constitution Day: October 25 (commemorative).
  • Estonia – Constitution Day: June 28 (commemorative).
  • Slovenia – Constitution Day: December 23 (commemorative).
  • Croatia – Constitution Day: December 22 (memorial/working day).
  • North Macedonia – Constitution Day: November 17 (commemorative).
  • Switzerland – Constitution Day: September 12 (commemorative; national day is August 1).
  • Pakistan – Constitution Day: April 10 (commemorative).
  • Georgia – Constitution Day: August 24 (commemorative).
  • Belarus – Constitution Day: March 15 (commemorative).
  • Philippines – Constitution Day activities often held around February 2 (1987 Constitution), working day.

Notable examples and how they’re observed

Americas

  • United States (September 17): Marks the 1787 signing. Not a public holiday. Schools, universities, and federal agencies run civic lessons, naturalization ceremonies, and public readings of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
  • Mexico (February 5; observed first Monday of February): Celebrates the 1917 Constitution’s promulgation. A non-working public holiday with parades, civic ceremonies, and cultural events; many enjoy a long weekend.
  • Dominican Republic (November 6): Commemorates the 1844 Constitution. It’s a public holiday, often moved to the nearest Monday per law, with official ceremonies and cultural programming.

Europe

  • Norway (May 17): A festive national day centered on children’s parades, bunads (traditional dress), and community gatherings. It marks the 1814 Constitution signed at Eidsvoll.
  • Poland (May 3): Honors Europe’s first modern constitution (1791). Public holiday with state ceremonies, speeches, and history-focused school activities.
  • Spain (December 6): Marks the 1978 constitutional referendum. A public holiday with Congress open days, civic education, and nationwide media features on democratic transition.
  • Denmark (June 5): Constitution Day is widely observed—many workplaces close early and rallies are common—but it’s not an official public holiday. It also coincides with Father’s Day.
  • Ukraine (June 28): Public holiday celebrating the 1996 Constitution; official addresses, cultural events, and flag ceremonies underscore democratic resilience.
  • Germany (May 23): The Basic Law’s promulgation in 1949 is marked with speeches, exhibitions, and constitutional dialogues; it remains a working day.

Asia-Pacific

  • Japan (May 3): Constitution Memorial Day during Golden Week. Government buildings host open days; citizens reflect on pacifism, rights, and governance.
  • Thailand (December 10): Public holiday commemorating the 1932 constitution, with ceremonies, decorations, and community events.
  • South Korea (July 17): Commemorative national day with flag displays, civic lectures, and legal forums; not a non-working holiday since 2008.
  • India (November 26): Schools and institutions read the Preamble, courts host outreach programs, and public service campaigns highlight constitutional values; working day.
  • Nepal (September 20): Public holiday remembering the 2015 constitution; national ceremonies, cultural programs, and media specials.
  • China (December 4): National Constitution Day promotes legal literacy—court open houses, themed lessons, and official addresses; working day.
  • Cambodia (September 24): Public holiday marking the 1993 constitution’s promulgation, observed with official ceremonies and flag events.

Eurasia and Central Asia

  • Kazakhstan (August 30): Public holiday celebrating the 1995 constitution adopted by referendum, with ceremonies and concerts.
  • Armenia (July 5): Public holiday that also honors national symbols; ceremonies, awards, and cultural events.
  • Azerbaijan (November 12): Public holiday with official wreath-layings, addresses, and media retrospectives.
  • Kyrgyzstan (May 5): Public holiday with flag displays, cultural programs, and civic education.
  • Tajikistan (November 6): Public holiday noted with official speeches and community events.
  • Uzbekistan (December 8): Public holiday; ceremonies honor statehood and legal development.

Africa and the Middle East

  • South Africa: No formal Constitution Day; the 1996 Constitution’s adoption (December 10) is often referenced within Human Rights Day and Freedom Day programming.
  • Pakistan (April 10): Marks the 1973 Constitution’s adoption with commemorative events; working day.
  • Kuwait: The 1962 Constitution’s November 11 promulgation is sometimes commemorated institutionally, but not as a public holiday; National Day falls in February.

Quick look: upcoming Constitution Day dates

Below is a quick-look calendar of notable Constitution Day observances coming up. Always confirm current-year transfers and Monday observance rules in your country.

December

  • Spain – December 6 (public holiday)
  • Romania – December 8 (commemorative)
  • Uzbekistan – December 8 (public holiday)
  • Thailand – December 10 (public holiday)
  • Russia – December 12 (commemorative)
  • Slovenia – December 23 (commemorative)
  • North Korea – December 27 (public holiday)

January–March

  • Belarus – March 15 (commemorative)

April

  • Kosovo – April 9 (public holiday)
  • Pakistan – April 10 (commemorative)

May

  • Japan – May 3 (public holiday)
  • Poland – May 3 (public holiday)
  • Kyrgyzstan – May 5 (public holiday)
  • Norway – May 17 (public holiday)
  • Turkmenistan – May 18 (public holiday)

June

  • Denmark – June 5 (widely observed; working day for many)
  • Iceland – June 17 (public holiday)
  • Estonia – June 28 (commemorative)
  • Ukraine – June 28 (public holiday)

July

  • Armenia – July 5 (public holiday)
  • Australia – July 9 (commemorative)
  • South Korea – July 17 (commemorative)
  • Moldova – July 29 (commemorative)

August–September

  • Georgia – August 24 (commemorative)
  • Kazakhstan – August 30 (public holiday)
  • Slovakia – September 1 (public holiday)
  • Switzerland – September 12 (commemorative)
  • United States – September 17 (commemorative; education mandate)
  • Nepal – September 20 (public holiday)
  • Cambodia – September 24 (public holiday)

October–November

  • Lithuania – October 25 (commemorative)
  • Dominican Republic – November 6 (public holiday; often moved)
  • Tajikistan – November 6 (public holiday)
  • Azerbaijan – November 12 (public holiday)
  • North Macedonia – November 17 (commemorative)
  • India – November 26 (commemorative)

Why Constitution Days matter now

Constitution Days do more than remember a signature or referendum date. They create annual space to teach rights and duties, celebrate democratic transitions, examine constitutional reforms, and welcome new citizens. In an era of rapid change—from digital speech to electoral rules—these observances invite open discussion about how the constitution applies to emerging challenges and about the institutions that protect it.

FAQ: Constitution Days Worldwide

  • What is the difference between ratification and promulgation?

    Ratification is formal approval—by referendum or legislative vote—confirming the text. Promulgation is the official proclamation (often by the head of state) that the constitution is now law, typically accompanied by publication and an effective date.

  • Is Constitution Day a public holiday everywhere?

    No. Some countries close offices and schools (e.g., Norway, Spain, Japan), others treat it as a working civic observance (e.g., United States, India, Germany), and a few sit in-between with limited-hour closures (e.g., Denmark) or Monday transfers (e.g., Mexico, Dominican Republic).

  • Why do dates differ across countries?

    Countries honor different milestones: signing (U.S.), referendum ratification (Spain), promulgation (Mexico), adoption by assembly (Ukraine), or entry into force (Japan). The choice reflects legal tradition, political history, and the symbolism leaders want to emphasize.

  • What do schools typically do on Constitution Day?

    Common activities include reading the preamble, mock constitutional debates, visits from judges or lawmakers, museum and court open days, and lessons on rights, separation of powers, and citizenship responsibilities.

  • Is the U.S. Constitution Day a federal public holiday?

    No. September 17 is a working day. However, institutions receiving federal funds must provide educational programming on the Constitution, and many communities host naturalization ceremonies.

  • Do businesses close in Denmark on June 5?

    Constitution Day in Denmark is not an official public holiday, but many businesses and shops close fully or operate reduced hours, and civic rallies are common.

  • Can Constitution Day dates move?

    Yes. Some laws shift observances to Mondays to create long weekends (e.g., Mexico, Dominican Republic). Always check the current year’s official holiday calendar.