Falkland Islands Liberation Day - Want to celebrate Falkland Islands Liberation Day with the brave Islanders? Here’s how you can commemorate the event.

Falkland Islands Liberation Day 2024 – June 14, 2024

The Falkland Islands Liberation Day is observed annually on June 14 in the Falkland Islands. The holiday commemorates the liberation of the Falkland Islands from the Argentine military occupation in 1982. On the day, islanders attend a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, lay wreaths at the Liberation Memorial, and go to a military parade in Stanley.

History of Falkland Islands Liberation Day

The Falkland Islands were uninhabited before European exploration began, although Fuegians and Patagonians may have visited in prehistoric times. But regardless of whoever struck anchor at the islands, the first undisputed landing occurred in 1690 when English captain John Strong landed and began exploring the islands. Decades later, in 1764, the first settlements were established when French captain Louis Antoine de Bougainville set up Port Louis. However, France gave up its claim to the Spanish in 1766. The same year, Port Egmont was set up on Saunders Island by British captain John MacBride. In 1774, the British voluntarily withdrew from the islands, leaving Spain as the only governmental presence. However, they left a plaque that claimed the islands for King George III.A few decades later, in 1820, Colonel David Jewett brought up Buenos Aires’s 1816 claim to Spain’s territories in the South Atlantic. Though Buenos Aires attempted to assert influence over the islands, British forces arrived in 1833 to reassert their rule. Headed by Buenos Aires’s governor, the Argentine Confederation protested against Britain’s actions, but the British weren’t all ears. More than a century later, during the 1960s, the sovereignty dispute between Argentina and Britain intensified, with the United Nations (U.N.) passing a resolution on decolonization and calling for both states to settle the conflict peacefully.On April 2, 1982, Argentine military forces invaded the Falkland Islands, leading to the start of the Falklands War. Two months later, on June 14, 1982, the Argentine military occupation of the Falkland Islands was brought to an end with an Argentine surrender and a British victory.

Falkland Islands Liberation Day timeline

1690
John Strong Arrives

The first undisputed landing on the Falklands occurs with the arrival of English captain Strong.

1774
The British Withdraw

Britain withdraws from the Falkland Islands but leaves a plaque claiming them for King George III.

1833
Britain Returns

Britain returns to reassert control over the Falkland Islands.

April 1982
The Argentine Military Invades the Islands

The Falklands War begins with the invasion of the Argentine military forces on the islands.

June 1982
Argentina Surrenders

Argentina surrenders and Britain wins the Falklands War.

Falkland Islands Liberation Day FAQs

What is the population of the Falkland Islands?

According to the last census, only 2,955 people live in the Falkland Islands.

What languages are spoken in the Falkland Islands?

English, which is spoken by 90% of the population, is the official language of the Falkland Islands. However, Spanish is spoken by some immigrants.

Do the Falkland Islands have a political leader?

The Queen of England is the monarch of the Falkland Islands, while the governor acts on her behalf.

Falkland Islands Liberation Day Activities

  1. Learn about the Falkland Islands

    There are many interesting things to learn about the Falkland Islands. Scour the internet for information to learn as much as you can.

  2. Visit the Falkland Islands

    The islands are home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions. Arrange a trip to the islands and see them yourself.

  3. Use the hashtag

    Spread word about the Falkland Islands Liberation Day. Use the hashtag #liberationday across all social media platforms of your choice.

5 Weird Facts About The Falkland Islands

  1. There are many islands

    The Falkland Islands are a group of 740 islands, only about 4,700 square miles in total.

  2. There's only one bank

    There is only one bank and no A.T.M.s on the Falkland Islands.

  3. Most islanders are British

    About 90% of the people on the Falkland Islands are either British or of British descent.

  4. Phone numbers are short

    Phone numbers are only five digits long on the Falkland Islands.

  5. Not many pubs

    On the islands, there are only seven pubs.

Why We Love Falkland Islands Liberation Day

  1. It commemorates history

    The holiday is a reminder of history and how the Falkland Islands became what they are today. It shows that our past is just as important as our future.

  2. It shows the importance of peace

    The Falklands War lasted for 10 weeks, and its impact was felt on both sides. Due to the constant fighting, everything was shut down; nobody could do anything. However, after the war, the resulting peace made the Falkland Islands into what they are now.

  3. It's a day to honor the fallen

    The anniversary is a time to honor the precious souls lost during the war. Their sacrifices to their nations will never be forgotten.

Falkland Islands Liberation Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 June 14 Wednesday
2024 June 14 Friday
2025 June 14 Saturday
2026 June 14 Sunday
2027 June 14 Monday