National Gibraltar Day

A group of people gathered around the rock of Gibraltar, wearing festive attire, with flags and confetti in the background, capturing the joyous spirit of National Gibraltar Day.. — National gibraltar day illustration

Ah, National Gibraltar Day! The one day of the year when we all come together to celebrate the rock of Gibraltar and all the wonders it holds. Get ready for a wild and rocky ride as we dive into the depths of the internet to uncover the fascinating history of this national day.

When is Gibraltar Day?

It's national gibraltar day on the 10th September.

A Brief History of National Gibraltar Day

On September 10th, 1967, the people of Gibraltar held a referendum to choose whether they wanted to remain under British sovereignty or become part of Spain. And boy, did they choose! The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of staying British, and thus, National Gibraltar Day was born.

Since then, every year on September 10th, Gibraltarians (yes, that's what we call them!) wave their British flags proudly and celebrate their unique cultural identity.

But what makes Gibraltar so special? Well, first of all, it's home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, a massive limestone monolith that looms impressively over the tiny peninsula. Legend has it that if you touch the rock, you'll have good luck! Now, who doesn't want a bit of luck?

Aside from its iconic rock, Gibraltar is also famous for its cheeky Barbary macaques. These mischievous monkeys are the only wild population of monkeys found in Europe, and they're a big hit with tourists (and locals) who can't resist their adorable antics.

How to Celebrate National Gibraltar Day

Now, you might be wondering how you can join in on all the Gibraltar Day festivities, especially if you're not lucky enough to be on the rock itself. Well, fear not, my friend! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Organize a British-themed party: Break out the scones, tea, and Union Jack decorations. You might even want to throw on a fancy fascinator or don a bowler hat!
Learn about Gibraltar's rich history: Dive into the fascinating stories of the Siege of Gibraltar or the Great Siege Tunnels. Trust me, it's more intriguing than it sounds!
Send a Gibraltar-themed gift: Show your loved ones how much you care by sending them a little piece of Gibraltar. Maybe a trinket featuring the famous rock or a postcard with some cheeky monkeys – they'll love it!

Did You Know?

On National Gibraltar Day, it's traditional for Gibraltarians to indulge in some of their favorite local treats. One such delicacy is 'calentita,' a mouthwatering chickpea flour pancake that's often served with a dollop of tangy aioli. Hungry yet? I know I am!

History behind the term 'Gibraltar'

711 AD

Muslim conquest

In the year 711 AD, the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began. As part of this conquest, an army led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber commander, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and established a base there. This marked the initial significance of Gibraltar in the history of the region.

1309 AD

The Rock of Gibraltar

In 1309 AD, during the Reconquista, the Rock of Gibraltar was captured by the forces of Ferdinand IV, King of Castile and Leon. The strategic position of Gibraltar made it a highly coveted territory due to its position controlling the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

1704 AD

Capture by Britain

In 1704 AD, during the War of Spanish Succession, an Anglo-Dutch fleet led by Admiral George Rooke captured Gibraltar. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 confirmed British sovereignty over Gibraltar, establishing the territory as a British Overseas Territory.

1779 AD

Great Siege of Gibraltar

The Great Siege of Gibraltar took place from 1779 to 1783 during the American Revolutionary War. Spain and France launched a joint siege on Gibraltar in an attempt to recapture the territory from the British. However, the British successfully defended the rock, boosting its reputation as an impregnable fortress.

1940 AD

World War II and Operation Tracer

During World War II, Gibraltar played a strategic role as a naval base for the British Royal Navy in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1940, Operation Tracer was executed, which involved the creation of secret tunnels inside the Rock of Gibraltar to serve as a military command center and hospital.

1967 AD

Referendum on sovereignty

In 1967, a referendum was held in Gibraltar to determine whether the people of Gibraltar wanted to remain under British sovereignty or choose Spanish sovereignty. The result was overwhelmingly in favor of remaining with Britain, with 99.64% of the population voting to remain British.

1985 AD

Opening of the border

In 1985, the border between Gibraltar and Spain was reopened, ending a 16-year blockade by Spain. This marked a significant step forward in improving relations between Gibraltar and Spain.

2018 AD

Brexit concerns

In 2018, Gibraltar became a source of concern in the Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The question of Gibraltar's future relationship with the EU and the potential impact on its economy has been a subject of debate and negotiation.

2020 AD

COVID-19 impact

Like many other places around the world, Gibraltar has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Government of Gibraltar has implemented measures to protect the population and control the spread of the virus.