Bahrain National Day — 16 December
Bahrain celebrates its National Day every year on 16 December, marking the events of 1961.
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Why 16 December?
Bahrain's National Day is celebrated on 16 December, the date on which Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was formally installed as ruler in 1961. The archipelago gained independence from Britain earlier, on 15 August 1971, but that anniversary is not the one Bahrain officially marks; the National Day was fixed instead to the accession of the ruler who led the country into independence and modernisation. The two-day national holiday on 16 and 17 December — the second day marking the accession of King Hamad — is among the year's most festive, with fireworks over the Manama skyline, air displays, illuminated landmarks and public concerts. The flag is one of the world's most recognisable: a red field — red being the traditional colour of the region — separated from a white band at the hoist by five white triangles, which represent the five pillars of Islam. Red and white have been Bahrain's colours for centuries; the five-point serrated design was adopted in 2002, reduced from an earlier eight.
Learn what every colour and symbol means on the Bahrain flag page.
Quick facts
- Date
- 16 December (every year)
- Official name
- National Day
- Commemorates
- 1961
- Public holiday
- Yes, in Bahrain