Danes are proud of their flag. The ’Dannebrog’ has a white cross on a red background. Many private homes have a flag pole, and every time there is a birthday or other celebration in the family, the flag is flown from dawn till dusk.

There are also several official flag days, when the flag will be flying from public buildings throughout the country. Among the most important dates are:

New Year’s Day
February 5 – Crown Princess Mary’s birthday
April 9 – commemorates Denmark’s Occupation in 1940. The flag is flown at half mast until noon, and then at full mast.
April 16 – Queen Margrethe’s birthday
May 5 – commemorates Denmark’s liberation in 1945
May 25 – Ascension Day
May 26 – Crown Prince Frederik’s birthday
Whit Sunday
June 5 – Constitution Day
June 11 – the Prince Consort’s birthday