National Days

DAVID MCCRONE is Professor of Sociology, Institute of Governance, University of Edinburgh, UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the British Academy. He coordinated the research programme on Constitutional Change and National Identity funded by the Leverhulme Trust (1999-2005), and its follow-up programme on National Identity, Citizenship and Social Inclusion (2005-11).GAYLE MCPHERSON is Senior Lecturer in Cultural Policy, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. She leads a team with interests in the consumption and production of festivals and events, both on a global scale and in enhancing community interests. Her research also examines the use of culture in developing social cohesion and social economy skills. She has a particular interest in the social and cultural impacts and benefits of large scale events on local communities.

• Introduction; D.McCrone & G.McPherson The Calendar Conundrum: National Days as Unstable Signifiers; M.E.Geisler 'We wanna show 'em who we are': National Events in England; M.Skey Scotland Days: Evolving Nation and Icons; D.McCrone ReMembering the Nation: Remembrance Days and the Nation in Ireland; J.Poulter Australia Day: A Day for All Australians?; W.Pearson & G.O'Neill Successful Nation-Building and Ceremonial Triumph: Constitution Day in Norway; G.Elgenius Mediating the Nation: Celebrating 6th June in Sweden; M.Rodell The Politics of Calendar: Independence Day in Finland; H.Nyyssönen Celebrating German Reunification Day since 1990; V.Simon Difficult Days and National Calendars: Italy, Cultural Trauma and giorno del ricordo ; A.Cossu Afrikaner Nationalism's Holy Day; P.E.Louw One Country: Three National Days (Valencia); E.Castello & R.Castello Parading Conspicuous Identity: St Patrick's Day, New York; G.McPherson, M.Foley & A.McIntosh Marking Time: Conclusion; D.McCrone & G.McPherson