Genforeningsdag

Genforeningsdag is a national holiday in Denmark celebrated on July 10th. It commemorates the reunification of Northern Schleswig with Denmark after a plebiscite held in 1920. The plebiscite was part of the Treaty of Versailles, which followed World War I, and aimed to resolve border disputes in the region.

The history of the Schleswig-Holstein question is complex, involving centuries of shifting allegiances and conflicts between Denmark and Germany. Following the Second Schleswig War in 1864, the region was ceded to Prussia and later became part of the German Empire. After World War I, the victorious Allied powers allowed for a popular vote in Northern Schleswig to determine its future.

The plebiscite was conducted in two zones. In the northernmost zone, 75% of the voters chose to be reunited with Denmark, while in the central zone, a majority voted to remain with Germany. Consequently, Northern Schleswig, now known as South Jutland (Sønderjylland), was officially incorporated back into Denmark on July 10, 1920. This event is celebrated as Genforeningsdag.

The holiday is marked by various public events, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and speeches by politicians. It is a day of national pride and remembrance, emphasizing Danish unity and the democratic process that led to the reunification. While it is a public holiday, it is not as widely celebrated as other Danish holidays like Constitution Day.