Constitution Day in Palau is a holiday that commemorates the country’s adoption of its constitution and the creation of its government. In 1981, Palau adopted its constitution and based the structure of its government on the structure of the U.S. Although celebrations of this holiday are held all across the country, most of the major public events take place in Ngerulmud and Koror.
A surprising fact about this country’s constitution is that it’s the only one in the world that bans nuclear weapons, tests, and nuclear energy production. Its constitution also bans biological weapons and gas weapons as well. This holiday is observed annually in Palau on July 9th.
History Of The Constitution Of Palau
The Constitution of Palau, known in Palauan as “Uchetemel a llach er a beluu er a Belau” was first adopted by the Palau Constitutional Convention that was in effect from January 28th through April 2nd of 1979.
This constitution was then ratified on July 9, 1980, by the Third Constitution Referendum. It would go into effect on January 1, 1981. In 2005, the Second Constitutional Convention certified the proposed amendments to this constitution that was voted on by a majority of delegates on July 15th.
The holiday was created not shortly after the creation of the Palau Constitution and it’s been observed on July 9th every year since then. It’s a holiday that allows citizens of the country to reflect on their country’s history and where it might be going in the future.
Observing Constitution Day In Palau
Ngerulmud and Koror are where the main celebrations of this holiday are focused. On this day, citizens listen to political speeches by their elected officials, attend special events that focus on the history of the country’s constitution, and use this holiday as a general day off from work.
When is Constitution Day in Palau? |
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| This year (2023) | July 9 (Sunday) |
| Next year (2024) | July 9 (Tuesday) |
| Last year (2022) | July 9 (Saturday) |