Autonomy Day is observed in the Åland Islands every June 9 as a public holiday. This day commemorates the historical events surrounding the islands' quest for self-determination. The Åland Islands were under Swedish control until the early 19th century, after which they were ceded to Russia in 1809. Following Finland's independence in 1917, the islanders sought to reunite with Sweden, but their request was denied, leading to the Åland Crisis. The League of Nations ultimately granted the islands autonomy within Finland, allowing the preservation of Swedish language and culture. Autonomy Day serves as a remembrance of these significant events in the islands' history.