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Format of National Day to change
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Declaration will replace political speeches
The Government says it is to change the format of National Day celebrations with effect from this year. This follows the New Constitution in which the UK recognises our right to self-determination. The changes to the format are intended to emphasise civic celebration of Gibraltar rather than political revindication.
The following is the new format: -
? There will be a gathering of the community (red and white attire encouraged!) at John Mackintosh Square for a collective celebratory event.
? At this event the following will occur: -
(1) There will be a ?street party? between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm with food stalls set up in the streets leading into John Mackintosh Square serving up Calentita, Torta de Acelga, Torta de patata, and soft drinks. Prices will be heavily subsidised by the Government who will be responsible for the preparation and provision of the food and drink to the stalls. Charities will be invited to ?man the stalls? in return for which they will be allowed to keep all the revenue from the sale of the food and drink.
(2) In future years, the Mayor will present the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour to recipients on the balcony of City Hall. This year he will recite the names of the first batch of posthumous recipients.
(3) The choir from a Gibraltar School will sing three songs with a Gibraltar theme, namely ?Virgencita de Europa?, ?Llevame adonde naci? and the ?Gibraltar Anthem?.
(4) At midday the Mayor will read a Gibraltar National Day Declaration ? which is a statement of civic, social and political principles that we celebrate in Gibraltar. There will be no political speeches by anyone.
(5) The reading of the Gibraltar National Day Declaration will be followed by the release of the balloons, from John Mackintosh Square, that will be called for by the Mayor.
? Other events on National Day include the following: -
(1) Children?s fancy dress competition in John Mackintosh Square;
(2) Young children?s fun fair at Casemates from 12.30 pm during the afternoon;
(3) Family verbena, with food, drink, music and dancing in a Marquee at Commonwealth Parade in the evening from 8 pm to 1 am.
(4) Fireworks display at 10.30 pm.
? The Youth Rock Concert will take place the night before National Day.
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