Constitution Day is a holiday observed in many countries to commemorate the adoption, signing, or coming into force of that country’s constitution, and it is usually tied to a key historical date in that constitutional process.
General meaning
Constitution Days typically mark events such as the signing of a constitution (for example, Norway’s celebration of the signing of its constitution in 1814) or the formal adoption of a constitutional text that defines the structure and powers of government and citizens’ rights. These observances often highlight civic education, national identity, and the principles of democracy or constitutional government embedded in the document.
Examples in specific countries
- In the United States, “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” is observed on September 17 to mark the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, and includes a legal requirement that federally funded schools provide educational programming about the Constitution.
- In India, “Constitution Day” (Samvidhan Divas) is celebrated on November 26 each year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949.
- In Denmark, Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag) is observed on June 5, honoring both the first Danish constitution of 1849 and the current constitution of 1953, both signed on that date, and is treated as the closest equivalent to a national day.
If you share which country you are interested in, more specific details about that Constitution Day’s history and traditions can be provided.
