ALASKA DAY

Alaska is located at the extreme northwest of the United States of America. Its name comes from the Aleut word Alyeska which means The Great Land. The state of Alaska hosts different cultures, with over 20 indigenous languages spoken. The great land is known for its beautiful nature, such as volcanoes, water bodies, and a coastline that touches three different seas; Artic, the Pacific Ocean, and Bering sea.

What is Alaska Day?

The Russians colonized Alaska for 68 years before the Russians suffered economically after their defeat in the Crimean War. As a result, the Russian Empire signed a treaty with the then US secretary William H. Seward that saw the US buy Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million. Most Americans considered the purchase of Alaska as a waste of money, and they nicknamed the state 'Seward's Folly.' Although many people regarded it as a cold, barren and useless land, Seward viewed it as an additional landmass of the United States. Miraculously, gold was discovered later along Klondike River, and soon Alaska became a land of investors. In October 1867, the Russian flag was lowered at the governor's house and was replaced by the US flag. In 1917, Alaska's day was declared a public holiday and had since been celebrated every year to commemorate Alaska's formal transfer from the Russians to the United States.

When is Alaska Day?

Every year, on October 18th, the citizens of Alaska celebrate Alaska Day with great pomp and enthusiasm.

Is Alaska Day a public holiday?

Alaska Day is a public holiday and a day off for the general population in Alaska. If the day is on the weekend, the observation is pushed to the nearest weekday. When Alaska Day falls on Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday. At the same time, the holiday is celebrated on Monday when the holiday falls on Sunday. The Alaska people then end up having a long free weekend.

What is open or closed on Alaska Day?

As an official state holiday, government offices, the court system, schools, banks, post offices, and most businesses remain closed in Alaska.

Things to do on Alaska Day?

Alaskans have every reason to celebrate the day their state became part of the United States territory. Parades and street marches are usually held in Sitka, the capital city of Alaska. The parade is made colorful by the marching army and military bands, decorated classic vehicles, and costumed Alaskans on the streets. The parade often concludes at the exact site where the reenactment of the flag-raising ceremony occurred in 1867.

Immediately after the parade, a repeat of the reenactment ceremony back in 1867 is usually conducted on Castle Hill in Sitka. The military troops fire a salute as the Russian flag gets lowered while another salute is fired as the US flag is raised. After that, the original transfer proclamations are read, and that concludes the ceremony.

The Sitka's Alaska Day is one event you don't want to miss as a resident of Sitka. You will need to attend dressed in the nineteenth century styled semi-formal wear. The festival also involves costume promenade and a display of native regalia. You may just be lucky to go home with a variety of awards and prizes if your outfit is chosen the best. Other cultural performances conducted during the ball include folk dancing and showcasing music in Russian traditions.

You could also attend a range of sporting activities often held on this historic day. Such include races for athletes, kayakers, and bicyclists. A croquet tournament and annual biathlon sports are also held in some areas.

As a patriotic citizen, you may visit the military memorial service held at the Sitka National Cemetery. It is an honor to remember the great men and women who have died in their line of service while serving the great state of Alaska.