18.12.2024 07:31 Date: December 18, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates Qatar’s National Day. On this day in 1878, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani became the ruler of Qatar. He united local tribes and instilled a sense of national identity. Widely considered the founder of modern Qatar, his legacy earned the holiday a second title: Founder’s Day. To celebrate 146 years of national unification, a magnificent parade winds through the streets of Doha. People proudly hang the Qatari flag, transforming the country into a sea of maroon and white. Others celebrate Qatari history and culture at lectures or lively sporting events. As night falls, the sky is illuminated by colorful jets of water, laser beams, and fireworks exploding in the sky. Happy National Day, Qatar! Location: Tags:
15.12.2024 22:45 Date: December 16, 2024 Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Bahrain’s National Day! Although the nation formally gained independence on August 15, 1971, Bahrain commemorates the late Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa who rose to power on this day in 1961. He was a beloved king and pivotal figure in leading his country through its independence process after years of British rule. Throughout his 38-year reign, he introduced several economic reforms that helped Bahrain become known as “the pearl of the Gulf.” While the largest festivities take place in the capital, Manama , the spirit of National Day sweeps across Bahrain. From lively parades to dazzling laser shows and bustling street markets, the nation comes alive with celebration. Streets and buildings are decorated with flowers, lights, and the red-and-white national flag — just like in today’s artwork. Bahrainis also mark the event with numerous cultural displays including art, language, and musical performances like Fjiri, which commemorates the nation’s pearling legacy. Happy National Day, Bahrain! Location: Tags:
15.12.2024 22:45 Date: December 16, 2024 Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Kazakhstan’s Independence Day! On this day in 1991, the nation’s Supreme Council signed the Declaration of Independence and formally announced its freedom after centuries of foreign rule. Home to over 130 different ethnic groups, Kazakhstan sees Independence Day as not only a holiday for national pride under one banner but also a time to celebrate its many cultures and histories. Kazakhstanis dress in traditional garb and attend yurt fairs with delicious food and lively music, or the main ceremony at Ak Orda Presidential Palace. Throughout the country, streets and buildings are decorated with the national flag — just like the one waving in today’s artwork. Its turquoise background represents peace and tranquility, while the golden sun and eagle represent freedom and values. Happy Independence Day, Kazakhstan! Location: Tags:
11.12.2024 22:15 Date: December 12, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates Kenya’s Jamhuri Day! Jamhuri is the Swahili word for “republic.” On this day in 1963, Kenya gained its freedom and independence after many years of foreign rule. To further add to the significance of December 12th, the budding nation officially adopted the name “the Republic of Kenya” a year later. On Jamhuri Day, Kenyans attend parades, award ceremonies, dance performances, and more to honor their nation’s progress and prosperity. Many host family gatherings to enjoy the day off with loved ones and share feasts filled with national dishes like ugali , githeri , skuma wiki , and more. All day long, the Kenyan national flag waves high in the sky throughout the country — just like in today’s artwork. Happy Jamhuri Day, Kenya! Location: Tags:
09.12.2024 02:45 Date: December 9, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates Tanzania’s Independence Day! On this day in 1961, Tanzania gained its freedom after decades of foreign rule. Three years later, Tanganyika and the neighboring archipelago region of Zanzibar merged to become the United Republic of Tanzania officially. Independence leader Julius Nyerere became the nation’s first president and Baba wa Taifa . He worked tirelessly to spread the idea of self-reliance with his people. On Independence Day, Tanzanians gather for grand events like rallies, parades, and concerts. The biggest celebration occurs at the Tanzania National Main Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The gold, black, green, and blue national flag waves high in the sky — as seen in today’s artwork — throughout the country for all to adore. Many also enjoy Tanzanian delicacies like ugali , mandazi , and mchicha while attending festivities. Happy Independence Day, Tanzania! Location: Tags:
06.12.2024 06:15 Date: December 6, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates Finland’s Independence Day, or Itsenäisyyspäivä, an occasion marked by both celebrations and moments of reflection. On this day in 1917, the Finnish Parliament approved the newly established Declaration of Independence, liberating itself from foreign rule. Early in the morning, the national flag is raised — just like the one in today’s Doodle artwork. This patriotic event casts a sea of blue and white across the country as citizens decorate their homes and towns to honor their nation’s resilience and commitment to self-governance. While students gather in Senate Square to listen to speeches and traditional music, others watch The Unknown Soldier to learn about the Continuation War. As day turns into night, windows are adorned with two blue and white candles. Rooted in history, this small, personal touch unites households across the country in a shared act of remembrance. Millions tune in to the President’s Independence Day Reception speech to mark the end of this important day. Happy Independence Day, Finland! Location: Tags:
04.12.2024 14:45 Date: December 5, 2024 Location: , , , , , , Tags:
02.12.2024 04:00 Date: December 2, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates National Day in the United Arab Emirates. On this day in 1971, the six emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain united under one flag and established the UAE as an independent nation. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation shortly after in 1972. To celebrate 53 years of statehood, people decorate their homes, cars, and businesses with red, green, and white UAE flags, which represent the UAE unity. Official celebrations tell the story of the nation’s progress, with theatrical performances and acrobatics woven with patriotic speeches that trace the UAE’s evolution into a prominent business and tech hub. Schoolchildren dress in the cultural thobe and kandura and perform traditional dances like the Al Yowla. Other popular activities include car rallies and shows. As night falls, the sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays, often synchronized with lasers and music. Happy National Day, United Arab Emirates! Location: Tags:
01.12.2024 08:15 Date: December 1, 2024 Today’s Doodle celebrates Great Union Day, or Ziua Marii Uniri, in Romania! In 1918, the regions of Bessarabia, Bukovina, Transylvania, Banat, Crișana and Maramureș unified with the Romanian Kingdom. On the 1st of December, 1,228 elected officials, known as the Great National Assembly of Alba Iulia, gathered and voted unanimously in favor of unification. On Great Union Day, massive celebrations in Bucharest, Alba Iulia, and other cities in Romania attract citizens for a day of pride and patriotism. Grand parades, public ceremonies, and traditional performances are organized all over to commemorate the nation’s progress and history. The red, yellow and blue national flag — each representing one of the three main provinces — waves high in the sky, just like in today’s artwork. Happy Great Union Day! Location: Tags:
