Commonwealth Day is observed in the Northern Mariana Islands on January 8. This day commemorates the establishment of the Commonwealth status following a series of referenda in the 1970s, which ultimately led to the approval of a new government and constitution in 1978. The Northern Mariana Islands became a territory administered by the United States on November 3, 1986, granting citizenship to all legal residents. The day serves to celebrate the relationship between the islands and the U.S., reflecting on their historical journey towards self-governance while remaining under the jurisdiction of the U.S. President and local Governor.