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Countries around the world celebrate their Republic Day with a lot of fanfare. Let’s take a look at some of these celebrations.

INDIA – JANUARY 26

India achieved republic status on January 26, 1950. This day is celebrated annually with a grand parade followed by tableau shows, music and dance. The highlight of the celebration is a fly past (the air version of a march past) presented by the Indian Air Force. This year the National Security Guard (NSG) will send a contingent to take part in the parade.

PAKISTAN – MARCH 23

Pakistan celebrates its Republic Day on March 23. The day marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution, the adoption of the first constitution in Pakistan in 1956 and the conversion of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It is celebrated by awarding honours at the Presidency (Presidential Palace) by the President of Pakistan with a full military parade.

ITALY – JUNE 2

The Festa della Repubblica is marked by a grand military parade through Rome. All the armed and police forces along with the fire brigade, Red Cross and some military delegations of the NATO and European Union participate in the parade. As part of the parade, a laurel wreath is deposited on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located inside the Altare della Patria in Rome. The ceremonies end with concerts and the opening to the public of the Palazzo del Quirinale Gardens, the official residence of the Italian President.

TURKEY – OCTOBER 29

Turkey’s Republic Day is called ‘Cumhuriyet Bayram'.ı It is celebrated throughout the country and begins during the previous afternoon. Wreaths are laid in Ataturk’s mausoleum followed by parades by the country’s army, navy and air force.

KAZAKHSTAN – OCTOBER 25

October 25, 1990 is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Kazakh SSR and is celebrated as Republic Day. It is a state holiday in Kazakhstan and is celebrated with festivities, sports and cultural events.

ICELAND – JUNE 17

June 17 is celebr-ated as the Icelandic Republic Day. Tradit-ional celebrations include a parade with a brass band at the fore. Riders on Icelandic horses are followed by a brass band and flag bearers from the Icelandic scout. After the parade several speeches are held out in the open, including a recitation by Fjallkonan (the woman of the mountain). A casual celebration follows with musicians, sale of candies and other delicacies and balloons being released into the sky.

PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 5

Republic Day in Portugal is known as ‘Implantation of the Republic'. It is a national holiday where celebrations and parades take place throughout the country.

MALTA – DECEMBER 13

The monument of Republic Day is at Marsa. The day is celebrated as a public holiday and is filled with a number of ceremonies like parades, horse racing and an investiture ceremony. Medals are also given out on this day.

NIGER – DECEMBER 18

December 18, 1958 is commemorated as Republic Day in the Republic of Niger. The day is celebrated with official festivals, public parties and festivities. In 2008, Niger celebrated its 50th anniversary with a number of activities like sports, musical and art competitions, the opening of new buildings and the National Youth Festivals.