Gibraltar’s abundantly diverse history and culture is reflected in a varied and extensive annual calendar of events, highlighted by National Day every 10 September. This day commemorates Gibraltar’s first referendum in 1967, when Gibraltarians were asked if they wanted to remain under British or revert to Spanish sovereignty.
More than 99 per cent of voters opted for the former, and nearly two years later Spanish dictator General Franco ordered the border gate to be closed. It was partially reopened to pedestrians in 1982, and for vehicle traffic in 1985.
The official National Day programme customarily begins with a children’s fancy dress competition followed by street parties and musical performances, and culminates with an evening fireworks display and rock concert. Revellers are able to get into an early party mood on the previous weekend, with festivals, concerts, gallery exhibitions and fun days.
Other Major Events
Below is a list of annual recurring events, meant as a guideline only as they can be subject to change. For updated information about exact dates and venues: Visit Gibraltar.
January
- New Year’s Classical Concert
- Gibraltar International Chess Festival
February
- Gibraltar Backgammon Championships
- Gibraltar International Dance Festival
- Gibraltar Festival of Young Musicians
March
- Gibraltar International Drama Festival
April
- Gibraltar International Song Competition
- Spring Zarzuela
- Gibraltar Spring Art Exhibition
May
- Gibraltar Museum Open Day
- Gibraltar Classic Car Rally
June
- Queen’s Birthday Parade
- Gibraltar Darts Open
- Gibraltar World Music Festival
- Gibraltar-Morocco Yacht Rally
- Miss Gibraltar Pageant
July
- Calentita Food Festival
- Gibraltar Regatta
- Runway Gibraltar Fashion Competition
August
- Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival
- Cardboard Boat Race
- Harley-Davidson Annual Rally
- Gibraltar Photographic Exhibition
- Gibraltar Fair Week
September
- National Day (10 September)
- Gibraltar Wine Festival
- MTV Gibraltar Calling Music Festival
October
- Trafalgar Day Remembrance Service
- Autumn Zarzuela
November
- Gibraltar Gibunco Literary Festival
- Remembrance Sunday Armistice Day
- Gibraltar International Art Exhibition
- Festival of Lights
December
- Polar Bear Swim (26 December)
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Casemates Square – 31 December)