Eugenia Moura- Portugal

On June 10, Portugal day, Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities are celebrated in Portugal.

This day, a national holiday, is a tribute to the great poet Luís Vaz de Camões, author of “Os Lusíadas”, the greatest epic work of Portugal, who died on June 10, 1580. Each year, a city is chosen as the home of the celebrations, where the President of the Republic marks his presence. In 2022, the official ceremonies will be held in Braga and later in the United Kingdom, with the Portuguese communities. Many activities, such as parades, military demonstrations and merit badge deliveries are part of the Portugal Day program throughout the country. Each year new individualities are distinguished for their work on behalf of the nation.

Simona Angela- Romania

Romania’s National Day (Ziua Națională), or Great Union Day (Ziua Marii Uniri)

Is an annual public holiday on December 1 to celebrate the unification of Romanian provinces. Romania also has Constitution Day, Flag Day and Anthem Day. Romania celebrates its national day, also called 1918 Great Union Day or Unification Day, with military parades and public speeches given by national leaders in cities such as Bucharest and in Alba Iulia (the “union city”). Many people in Romania have the day off work and school.

Public Life

National Day is a public holiday in Romania so banks, public offices, and many private businesses are closed. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules. Some parts of Bucharest, and possibly other major cities, may be closed off during certain times of the day for military parades.

Background

Romania’s National Day marks the country’s unification in 1918.  Romania’s full independence had been recognized in 1878 but it was not until December 1, 1918 in the city of Alba Iulia, when Romania – made of Moldova and Wallachia at the time – was united with Transylvania, Crisana, Banat and the Maramures area. National Day has been celebrated in Romania since 1990, after the fall of the Romanian Communist Party.

Symbols

The Romanian flag is flown on National Day in Romania. The national flag is a tricolor blue, yellow, red, with colors arranged in vertical bands of equal size. It has a width-length ratio of 2:3. The 3 colors symbolize 3 Romanian provinces – Wallachia (yellow), Moldavia (red), and Transylvania (blue). The national anthem “Deşteaptă-te, române!” (Awaken thee, Romanian!) is also performed. The anthem is a symbol of unity, courage, and patriotism among Romanians.

Emel Uslu Kılıç- Turkey

Canan Yoldaş Şanlı- Turkey

Özgü Baklacı Mansuroğlu- Turkey

On 23th of April we celebrate National Independence and  Children Day in Turkey. It the day of foundation of Turkey Parlament in 1920. Each year on this day, we decorate classes and schools and children prepare shows, plays and dances. All the children have fun during celebrations.

Ivana Borozni- Croatia

The most important day in our Cristian country is Easter! It symbolizes Jesus ’resurrection to heaven. The kids love this holiday as there is a joyful preparation for it. Painting eggs in different styles and colors, decorating their nests for the Easter bunny to bring them presents and making different decorations in the house. On Easter they go to mass and meet all their family and friends! Also they have a week-long break from school! 

Ivana Borozni

Andrijana Miletic- Croatia

Easter is the most important Christian holiday! On that day we celebrate Jesus ’resurrection to heaven. Symbolically, on this holiday we paint eggs and prepare a nest of grass.