Simone Lawson
Denmark's Constitution Day, celebrated on the 5th of June every year, is the closest the country has to a national day. It is not a public holiday, but it is a flag day, and many people have the day off. Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution in 1849, which established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy. The day also celebrates the current constitution of 1953, which was signed on the same date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 June |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Type of holiday | "Flag day"; not a public holiday, but a "collective bargaining agreement determined day off" |
| Work | Many people have the day off or a half-day off; government offices, banks, and educational establishments are closed; most shops and businesses are closed, but stores with an annual turnover of up to 34.9–43.4 million kroner can stay open; private companies decide individually |
| Celebrations | Attending events and open-air gatherings at public parks, called udendørsarrangementer, with food and drink, group singing (fællessang), and bonfires; political parties hold constitutional meetings (grundlovsmøder or grundlovsfester) with speeches (grundlovstale); flag-raising ceremonies |
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What You'll Learn
Constitution Day is not a public holiday in Denmark
Denmark's Constitution Day, or Grundlovsdag in Danish, is observed on the 5th of June every year. The day commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution on 5 June 1849 and celebrates the most recent, on 5 June 1953. It is also Father's Day in Denmark. Although Constitution Day is not a public holiday, it is a "flag day", and most shops and businesses are closed. Many people have the day off or a half-day, either mandated by collective labour agreements or granted by their employers.
Constitution Day is widely celebrated throughout Denmark with open-air gatherings at public parks, called udendørsarrangementer, where hot dogs and beer are enjoyed. There is also group singing, or fællessang, and bonfires at night. Political parties hold constitutional meetings, or grundlovsmøder, with speeches, or grundlovstale, that are often more about campaigning than celebrating the Danish constitution. Nevertheless, there is still an element of the people's celebration, or folkefest. The biggest Constitution Day parties are always held in the same places each year, including Tangkrogen in Aarhus and Fælledparken or Kongens Have in Copenhagen.
Although Denmark does not have an official national day, Constitution Day is the closest the country has to one. It is a day for celebrating Danish democracy, marking the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in 1849. From 1660 until 1849, Denmark had been ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the king having complete power. On 5 June 1849, King Frederik VII signed the first democratic constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a representative parliamentary system.
The Danish constitution is unique in that it has never been amended but rather rewritten every time any amendment has been introduced. The constitution was rewritten in 1866, 1915 (when women's suffrage was introduced), 1920, and finally in 1953, to include changes such as the elimination of the upper chamber of parliament and allowing women to inherit the throne.
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Constitution Day is a flag day
Denmark's Constitution Day, celebrated on the 5th of June every year, is a significant day for the country as it commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution in 1849 and the current constitution in 1953, both of which occurred on the same date in their respective years. While it is not an official national holiday, it is considered the closest thing to a national day in Denmark, and many people are given the day off or at least the afternoon off work. Constitution Day is also a "flag day", marked by flag-raising ceremonies in different cities and towns across the country.
The history of Denmark's Constitution Day is deeply rooted in the country's transition from absolute monarchy to democracy. From 1660 until 1849, Denmark was ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the king holding complete power. On June 5, 1849, King Frederik VII signed the first democratic constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a representative parliamentary system. This pivotal moment in Danish history laid the foundation for the country's democratic governance and set in motion a series of constitutional rewrites to adapt to the evolving needs of the nation.
Constitution Day in Denmark is a day of celebration and pride in their democratic heritage. While it is not a public holiday, many businesses and shops are closed, giving employees a chance to attend events and gatherings. People often come together in public parks for open-air celebrations called "udendørsarrangementer", where they enjoy traditional Danish food and drinks, sing together ("fællessang"), and sometimes light bonfires at night. It is a time for Danes to unite and honour their shared history and values.
As a flag day, Constitution Day sees the flying of the Dannebrog, the national flag of Denmark. The Dannebrog is a symbol of Danish pride and identity, and its presence on this day adds to the patriotic atmosphere. The flag-raising ceremonies are solemn occasions, reminding Danes of their independence and freedom. While the day is not an official holiday, the combination of celebrations and flag-raising events gives it a festive and patriotic spirit.
Constitution Day in Denmark is thus a unique blend of tradition and patriotism. It serves as a reminder of the country's democratic journey and the power of the people in shaping their nation's future. Through the flying of flags and the coming together in celebration, Danes honour their past and present while continuing to strengthen their national identity.
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Many people in Denmark have the day off
Constitution Day in Denmark is observed on the 5th of June every year. The day is not a public holiday, but it is a "flag day", and most shops and businesses are closed. Since it is not a public holiday, it is not a day off for everyone in Denmark. However, many people do have the day off or at least the afternoon off, as collective labour agreements usually give workers a half-day or a full day off.
Constitution Day is a significant day for Danes as it commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution on 5 June 1849, which established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy. The day also celebrates the current constitution, which was last rewritten and signed on 5 June 1953. From 1660 until 1849, Denmark was an absolute monarchy, with the king having complete power over the country. On 5 June 1849, King Frederik VII signed the first democratic constitution, introducing a representative parliamentary system.
Constitution Day is sometimes considered the equivalent of a national day in Denmark, as the country does not have an official one. The day is widely celebrated throughout the country, with many people attending open-air gatherings in public parks, called "udendørsarrangementer". These events often feature food and drinks, group singing, and bonfires at night. It is also common for political organisations to hold meetings and speeches, which are often more about campaigning than celebrating the constitution.
Constitution Day is also Father's Day in Denmark, a tradition adopted by the Danes in 1935. The day holds multiple meanings and is an important opportunity for Danes to celebrate their nation's democracy and unique constitution.
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Constitution Day is celebrated with outdoor gatherings and group singing
Denmark's Constitution Day is observed annually on the 5th of June. While it is not an official public holiday, it is a day that holds great significance for the Danish people. Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution on the 5th of June 1849, which established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy. The day also celebrates the most recent constitution, which was signed on the same date in 1953.
Constitution Day is a unique occasion in Denmark, often regarded as the closest thing the country has to a national day. Although it is not an official holiday, many people are given the day off or at least a half-day, as per collective labour agreements. Most shops and businesses remain closed, and government offices, banks, and educational institutions are also typically shut for the day.
The Danish people celebrate Constitution Day with enthusiasm and pride. One of the most notable traditions is the gathering for outdoor celebrations in public parks, known as "udendørsarrangementer". These events create a festive atmosphere, with people coming together to enjoy food, drinks, and each other's company. Hot dogs ("pølser") and beer are particularly popular choices for the outdoor festivities.
Group singing, or "fællessang", is another integral part of the celebrations. Danes unite in song, often around bonfires at night, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. The biggest Constitution Day celebrations take place in iconic locations such as Tangkrogen in Aarhus and Fælledparken or Kongens Have in Copenhagen. These gatherings have become beloved annual traditions, with people returning year after year to commemorate their nation's democracy and constitution.
Political parties also hold their own gatherings, often featuring speeches ("grundlovstale") that blend campaigning with celebrations of Danish democracy. Flag-raising ceremonies are held across the country, and cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions add to the festive spirit. Constitution Day in Denmark is a joyous occasion, bringing people together in outdoor settings to honour their shared history and democratic values.
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The day is Denmark's closest to a national day
Denmark is one of the few countries in the world without an official national day. However, Constitution Day, celebrated annually on the 5th of June, is considered the closest equivalent. The day commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution on the 5th of June, 1849, and the current constitution of 1953, which was also signed on the 5th of June.
Constitution Day is not a public holiday, but it is a "flag day", marked by the flying of the Dannebrog. Most shops and businesses are closed, and many people have the day off or only work half-days. Those who are off work often celebrate by attending outdoor gatherings in public parks, called "udendørsarrangementer", where they enjoy food and drinks, usually hot dogs and beer, and sing together. There are also bonfires in the evening. Political parties hold constitutional meetings with speeches, which often have a campaigning element.
Constitution Day is also Father's Day in Denmark, a tradition adopted in 1935. The date of Father's Day was later moved to the 5th of June from the second Sunday in November, which was at the opposite end of the year from Mother's Day in May.
The day is an important one for Danes, as it celebrates the country's democracy and unique constitution, which has been rewritten several times instead of amended. It is a chance for Danes to come together and celebrate their nation's history and values.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Constitution Day is not an official national holiday in Denmark. However, it is the closest thing to a national day of celebration for the country.
Constitution Day in Denmark is celebrated on the 5th of June each year.
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the first Danish Constitution on 5 June 1849 and celebrates the most recent, on 5 June 1953. The day honours the establishment of Denmark as a constitutional monarchy, with a representative parliamentary system.
Constitution Day is a flag day in Denmark, with many businesses and shops closed. People often attend open-air gatherings in public parks, with food, drinks, group singing, and bonfires. Political parties hold constitutional meetings and speeches, and cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances, and art exhibitions are also organised to celebrate the day.
