Arolan Day

Arolan Day (Finnish: Arolan itsenäisyyspäivä) is a national public holiday and the start of nationwide flag-flying, held on the first of July to celebrate Arola's full independence from the British when the self-government took over the whole of Arola in 1958.

Arolan Day is one of the few in the world to fall in July.

History
The movement for self-governance in Arola and the British withdrawing troops in the country in the 1950s were two factors that led to Arola's independence. Immediately after the British sent their last batch of soldiers away from Arola on 1st July 1958, the self-government proclaimed itself as the new republic in control of the country.

Unlike many countries, Arola did not have an official declaration of independence, hence it became one of the most recognised national days in the world. Arolan Day was first celebrated in 1959 as an unofficial holiday, and became official three years later in 1962.

In 2008, the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Arola, the Arolan Day celebrations became the most-watched live broadcast in Arolan history with 99.7% of the population watching the broadcast and has been uploaded onto YouTube and VidSpace with 30.8 million views.

Observances
Before 1962, Arolan Day was mainly celebrated by singing the national anthem with the flag and remembering the lives lost in the previous years.

1962 was the first year when the Arolan government formally hosted broadcasted celebrations, which included citywide marching ceremonies and gun salutes. The celebrations have since expanded to fireworks, motorcades, performances, broadcasts on streaming platforms, presidential speeches and occasional award ceremonies.

Arolan Day is also an opportunity for Arolan companies to showcase their products. For example, Dillon Cars has announced its new lineup of vehicles usually on the afternoon of Arolan Day on several years, most recently in 2021. This benefits the companies and gains them more profit.

Sixth graders are entitled to a special rehearsal of Arolan Day celebrations since the 2000s, which was mainly inspired by National Education shows hosted in. The rehearsals are usually held on the third Tuesday of June.