Saint Helena Day in Saint Helena ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Saint Helena Day in Saint Helena and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Saint Helena Day is a public holiday celebrated on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is held annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in 1815 when Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to the island after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The day is an important part of the island’s cultural identity and is marked with a range of activities and events.
The celebrations for Saint Helena Day begin the evening before, with a flag-raising ceremony at the Governor’s residence. This is followed by a torchlight procession through Jamestown, the island’s capital, which culminates in a fireworks display. During the day itself, there are typically parades, sporting events, music and dance performances, as well as traditional food and drink. Other activities include a 5km road race and a re-enactment of Napoleon’s arrival on the island.
In recent years, the holiday has become more widely celebrated, with events being organised in other parts of the world such as London and Paris. People wishing to observe Saint Helena Day can do so by learning about the island’s history and culture, or by joining in with some of the festivities taking place around the world. Alternatively, they could organise their own event to mark the occasion, such as a themed dinner party, a quiz night or a movie screening.