Constitution Day 2026 (Denmark): Date, History, Facts about Denmark

People in Denmark observe Constitution Day on June 5 to commemorate the signing of the Danish Constitution and the four revisions adopted on the same date. As the closest equivalent to a national holiday in Denmark, the day inspires strong patriotic celebrations across the country.

Every year, Danes mark June 5 as the birth of democracy in Denmark. They celebrate the occasion with secular services, speeches by local politicians, national flag ceremonies, church gatherings, and other public events.

The background of Constitution Day

Denmark’s Constitution Day is a very special occasion. After decades of absolute monarchy between 1660 and 1849, King Frederick VII signed Denmark’s first constitution in 1849 and transformed the country into a constitutional monarchy, where the law defines and limits the exercise of political power.

The constitution was revised for the first time in 1866, and it was revised again in 1915, following the women’s suffrage movement, when women were granted the right to vote. A third revision occurred in 1920, followed by the final version, which was ratified in 1953 and is still in effect without any updates. Since there is no procedure for amending the constitution, the entire document must be revised whenever new clauses are added or removed.

Intriguingly, almost all amendments to the constitution have occurred on June 5, which gives the date greater significance. After eliminating the Upper Chamber, the most recent revision has created a unicameral parliament. From allowing women to inherit the throne to reducing the percentage of women’s ballots required to amend the constitution (from 45% to 40%), June 5 is one of the most significant days to commemorate in Denmark.

Not quite an official holiday, shops and enterprises close at noon and employees receive a half-day off. Political organisations and community groups hold secular services, raise the Dannebrog national flag, and bring people together to celebrate the occasion.

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5 DENMARK FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

People captured the Danish flag during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219, making it the oldest national flag still in use.

People named Bluetooth technology after King Harald Bluetooth, the second monarch of Denmark.

There is no location in Denmark from which you cannot see the ocean. It is 4,545 miles long and extends along the coast. That exceeds the length of the Great Wall of China!

There is no equivalent to “please” in Danish.

Denmark has earned the title of the world’s happiest country multiple times and consistently ranks among the top nations in the United Nations World Happiness Report.

CONSTITUTION DAY DATES