Gibraltar National Day in Gibraltar
Gibraltar National Day is observed on 10 September, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum on Gibraltar’s future. It is both a public holiday and a day when Gibraltarians mark their right to self-determination, often wearing red and white and gathering for official celebrations.[1][2][3]
Why Gibraltar marks 10 September
On 10 September 1967, voters in Gibraltar were asked whether to pass under Spanish sovereignty or retain their link with Britain, with democratic local institutions. The Gibraltar Government’s fact sheet says 99.2% of voters chose to remain British; the government later chose the referendum’s anniversary as the date for National Day.[1][2]
National Day began in 1992, on the referendum’s 25th anniversary, according to a 2025 government account. The day is associated with Gibraltar’s right to decide its own future, and with the referendum as an expression of that right.[3]
A public holiday under Gibraltar law
The Employment (Annual and Public Holidays) Order defines public holidays to include days appointed by the Government as public or bank holidays. The Government’s published list of bank and public holidays includes Gibraltar National Day, confirming its public-holiday status.[4][5]
The Order sets out employment provisions for public holidays. An employee who is not required to work may be entitled to a day’s holiday pay, subject to the Order’s conditions. If an employee is required to work, the Order provides for a holiday in lieu or additional pay in specified circumstances.[4]
How the day is observed
Red and white clothing is a visible part of the day’s public expression. Government messages describe people gathering in those colours at Casemates Square, where the Chief Minister has delivered a National Day address. Official remarks also connect the celebrations to remembering and explaining the 1967 referendum to younger generations.[3][6]
The celebrations include people working in essential services, law enforcement, bars and restaurants, as well as musicians. That means some services and venues operate during the holiday; check event, shop and transport schedules before you go.[6]
Planning around the holiday
Because National Day is listed as a bank and public holiday, check opening times directly with any office, bank or business you plan to visit. Employment law allows for some employees to work on public holidays, and the Chief Minister’s account specifically thanks workers who support the day’s celebrations.[4][5][6]
The date remains 10 September each year; consult the applicable calendar and employer arrangements for the year in question.[1][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Gibraltar National Day?
Is Gibraltar National Day a public holiday?
Do employees get the day off?
The Employment Order provides for public-holiday pay when an employee is not required to work, subject to conditions. Some employees may be required to work, with holiday-in-lieu or additional-pay provisions applying in specified circumstances.[4]
Are shops, banks and transport open?
Check opening hours and transport schedules with the specific business or service before travelling; some bars, restaurants and essential services operate during celebrations.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for Gibraltar National Day in Gibraltar:
- Gibraltar Fact Sheets- HM Government of Gibraltar
- Microsoft Word - 228-2017.docx- HM Government of Gibraltar
- Minister Santos addresses Prior Park School students on the importance of National Day - 653/2025- HM Government of Gibraltar
- Employment (Annual and Public Holidays) Order- Government of Gibraltar
- Bank Holidays 2026- HM Government of Gibraltar
- The Chief Minister’s National Day Message at Casemates Square - 657/2025- HM Government of Gibraltar