Commonwealth Day

Commonwealth Day is a holiday observed by Commonwealth countries. It is celebrated annually on the second Monday of March. It celebrates the establishment of the Commonwealth, aiming to establish a peaceful worldwide environment.

History

Commonwealth Day was originally created in 1902 in honor of Queen Victoria. At that time, it was called “Empire Day.” After the ruler’s death, the holiday celebrated the unity of the nations of the Commonwealth and England, promoting the ideas of peace, freedom, and justice throughout the world.

For a long time, the holiday was unofficial. This was corrected by G. Macmillan in 1958, when the holiday received official status and its modern name. Fifteen years later, a single date of celebration was established—the second Monday in March.

Today there is much debate as to whether this holiday is necessary at all. Some argue that without it and without the Commonwealth, some countries could have gained full independence. However, despite the heated debate, the holiday remains very popular today!

Interesting Facts

• The first ever Commonwealth Day, originally known as Empire Day, was celebrated in 1902 in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday.
• Celebrations at Wembley Stadium in 1925 featured a pageant and attracted a crowd of around 90,000 people.
• Today, the Commonwealth spans six continents and includes both the world’s largest (India) and smallest (Nauru) populations among its members.
• King Charles III has served as head of the Commonwealth since 2022.
• Commonwealth athletes compete every four years in the Commonwealth Games, often called the “Friendly Games.”
• Not all Commonwealth countries were part of the former British Empire—Mozambique and Rwanda joined despite having no historic ties to Britain.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the Commonwealth countries and recall the history of this voluntary interstate association. Take a look at how the day is celebrated online.

Share about Commonwealth Day on social media. Ask other users if they participated in the day’s festivities and what their impressions were. Ask them to share photos or videos with you.

When is Commonwealth Day in 2025?

Commonwealth Day is observed annually on the second Monday in March.

Observations