8 Countries Marking a National Day in July

July is one of the busiest months of the calendar for national days, with declarations, revolts and a royal oath. Eight countries in our catalog mark a national day this month. Here they are in calendar order.

July 1 — Canada

Canada Day marks July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act joined New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Province of Canada into one confederation. It was called Dominion Day until it was renamed Canada Day in 1982.

July 4 — United States

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain. Most delegates signed the document about a month later, on August 2.

July 9 — Argentina

Argentina's Independence Day marks July 9, 1816, when the Congress of Tucumán declared the independence of the United Provinces of South America from Spain. The declaration had 29 signatories, and the original act is now lost.

July 10 — Bahamas

The Bahamas became fully independent from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973, and immediately joined the Commonwealth. Lynden Pindling was the first prime minister.

July 14 — France

France's national day commemorates both the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and the Fête de la Fédération on July 14, 1790, a celebration of national unity. It has been the official national holiday since a law of 1880.

July 20 — Colombia

Colombia's Independence Day recalls the revolt of July 20, 1810 in Bogotá, which began with a quarrel over a flower vase that a Spanish merchant refused to lend. The unrest led to the creation of the first local governing junta.

July 21 — Belgium

Belgium's National Day marks July 21, 1831, when Leopold of Saxe-Coburg swore allegiance to the constitution and became the first King of the Belgians. The date was made a national holiday by law in 1890.

July 28 — Peru

On July 28, 1821, José de San Martín raised the new flag in Lima's Plaza Mayor and proclaimed Peru's independence. Spanish rule on the mainland only ended after the Battle of Ayacucho in December 1824.

Each of these countries has its own flag story and designs in our catalog. Browse the collections: Canada, United States, Argentina, Bahamas, France, Colombia, Belgium, Peru — or explore the story behind any country's flag on our free Flag Story Cards page.

More national days by month: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November and December.