Falkland Day in Falkland Islands

When did the Falkland Day in Falkland Islands start?

The first recorded date of Falkland Day in Falkland Islands being celebrated on August 14 was in the year 1949.

About Falkland Day in Falkland Islands Holiday

Falkland Day is a day of celebration for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The holiday is celebrated on August 14th each year and marks the anniversary of the islands' reclaiming of British sovereignty in 1833. It is a festive holiday that is celebrated with various activities, such as parades, barbecues, and sports competitions. The day is also marked by a formal military parade, which includes the salute of the British and the Falkland flags. The event is attended by many high-ranking officials, including the Governor of the Falkland Islands, politicians, and members of the Royal family. Falkland Day is also recognized by the international community, with many countries showing their support for the Falkland Islands through diplomatic demonstrations. The holiday is an important time of year for the Falkland Islands, as it provides an opportunity to celebrate their culture and heritage while unifying the community.

Falkland Islands: Celebrating Falkland Day on August 14 – Introduction

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the southern tip of South America, the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory. It is an archipelago of 778 islands consisting of two main islands, East and West Falkland. Since 1833, when the islands were first permanently settled, they have largely been populated by British citizens and other Europeans.

The islands, due to their geographical location, have had a complex and long history of competing claims by Britain, Spain, and Argentina. This has resulted in a number of military conflicts. The most well known of these conflicts happened in 1982 during the Falklands War.

The Falkland Islands remain under British control and as a British Overseas Territory benefit from the protection and the trade opportunities afforded by the world’s fifth-largest economy. As such, the Falkland Islands’ main holiday is ‘Falkland Day’, which is celebrated on August 14.

History of the Falkland Island Conflicts

The first known human settlement of the Falkland Islands was by the French in 1764. This settlement was short-lived, however, as the settlement was quickly abandoned a few years later in 1767 after Spain had laid claim to the islands. Spain held control over the islands until 1811, when it was driven out by a military force from Argentina. The new Argentine government proclaimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, and named it Islas Malvinas in 1820.

In 1829, the British government claimed the islands, asserting their right to them based on their previous settlement of Port Egmont in 1765, as well as their assertion of ownership of the islands in 1816. The British quickly began to resettle the islands and reassert their control.

For the next few decades, the claimants, Britain and Argentina, engaged in both diplomatic and military crises over the territorial claim on the Falkland Islands. The most renowned dispute was the Falklands War of 1982 which began when the Argentinean Navy invaded the islands in April of 1982. In response, the United Kingdom, under the orders of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, deployed a military task force to the region. After two months of fighting, the Argentinean Navy was defeated and the islands returned to British control.

Celebrations of Falkland Day

United Kingdom

As the Falkland Islands remain under British control, celebrated in the United Kingdom is the main celebration. In the UK, Falkland Day is celebrated on August 14, in recognition of the battle at Port Egmont on August 14, 1833 when British forces reasserted their control of the island from the Argentinean Navy.

The holiday is marked by a formal ceremony in London at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Taking place annually since 1834, the ceremony honors the British soldiers who died during the Falklands War. A memorial service is held for the 267 British and 3 Falkland Islands defenders who died during the war led by the British Prime Minister.

The rest of the day is typically celebrated in a less formal way, with patriotic music, flags, and speeches.

Falkland Islands

On the Falkland Islands, the holiday is a bit different from the celebration in the United Kingdom. August 14 marks the day in 1833 that British forces took control of the island from Argentinean troops.

The local celebration of the Falkland Islands includes firing ceremonial cannons and tolling church bells. In addition, a “Beating Retreat” is held at the Government House. During this event, British and Falkland Island flags are paraded in front of the crowd, an honor guard marches, and a 50-gun salute is performed.

The day also includes outdoor activities such as a tug-of-war, sack races, football games, and more. There is also a parade of veteran cars and a display of antique boats. A fireworks show is usually held over the harbor to end the evening.

Argentina

In Argentina, Falkland Day is remembered differently. August 14th marks the day when the Argentine Army was forced to withdraw from the Falkland Islands in 1982 as a result of the Falkland War.

To this day, Argentina still claims sovereignty over the islands. It is not considered a holiday, but rather a “Day of Memory”. Flags are flown at half-mast throughout the country to mark the day. A memorial service is held in Buenos Aires to remember the 649 Argentinean soldiers who died in the war.

The day is also marked by protests in Buenos Aires to demand the return of the islands from the British. Many Argentines believe they are entitled to the islands due to the historic claim of sovereignty.

Conclusion

As a result of its unique history and geographical location, the Falkland Islands have been the subject of many conflicts and disputes. August 14 marks an important day in the history of the islands, and is celebrated both in its home country, the United Kingdom, as well as the countries with competing claims, such as Argentina.

The celebrations of Falkland Day in each of these countries are different. In the United Kingdom, it is an official holiday, with patriotic ceremonies, music, flags, and fireworks. In the Falkland Islands local celebrations include honoring fallen soldiers, cannon fire, a Beating Retreat, and a variety of outdoor activities. In Argentina, flags are flown at half-mast and memorial services are held to remember fallen soldiers. However, many Argentines still contest Britain’s sovereignty over the islands.

No matter how it is celebrated, Falkland Day will remain an important day in the history of the Falkland Islands and will be celebrated for years to come.

How to Say "Falkland Day in Falkland Islands" In Different Languages?