Eritrea Independence Day
2016-05-24 | State of Eritrea, Eritrea
The Independence Day of Eritrea is one of the most important public holidays in the country. It is observed on May 24 every year.
On this day in 1991, Eritrean People’s Liberation Front forces moved into the capital Asmara, reinstating independence, following a 30-year-long battle against the Ethiopian military regime. Eritrea Independence Day is a public holiday, with workers given a day off from work.

Djibouti Independence Day
2016-06-27 | Djibouti, Djibouti
The Djibouti Independence Day is an important moment in the country’s history. Celebrated every year on 27th June the day marks the independence won by this country in Horn of Africa from their erstwhile masters France. Djibouti Independence Day is celebrated on 27th June every year. This public holiday is celebrated to mark the momentous occasion in 1977 when this African nation won its independence from France. After independence it came to be known as the Republic of Djibouti.

Congo DR Independence Day
2016-06-30 | Congo, The Democratic Republic of The, Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
Democratic Republic of the Congo Independence Day is a national holiday, which is celebrated to commemorate the country’s liberation from Belgium in 1960. The day is observed on June 30 every year. The people of Democratic Republic of the Congo think of it as the most important occasion in their life. Democratic Republic of the Congo was a colony of Belgium from 1908 to 1960.
There are different types of public holidays in Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, Democratic Republic of the Congo Independence Day is the most important holiday in the country. Independence Day is celebrated on June 30 and it is observed to pay tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the independence of their country.

Burundi Independence Day
2016-07-01 | Burundi, Burundi
People of Burundi annually celebrate Independence Day on July 1. On this day Belgian colony Ruanda-Urundi split to form Rwanda and present-day Burundi.
Colonization of Burundi began in the early 20th century by Germany. The territories of Burundi and Rwanda were occupied by Belgium during World War I and after the end of the war they became a Belgian League of Nations mandate territory. Belgium administered both countries as one colonial empire, known as Ruanda-Urundi.

Algeria Independence Day
2016-07-05 | Algeria, Algeria
July 5 is celebrated in Algeria as Independence Day, in remembrance of actual independence from France in 1962. After being taken by the French in 1830, Algeria remained under France’s control for 132 years.
Independence Day in Algeria is marked by the diversity of cultural influences in the Algerian society. It is a day that is celebrated with passion. Algerians take to the streets and attend celebrations wearing the national color of green. There are military parades in Algiers. Concerts and cultural events are organized in the national stadium. In recent years, the day has been marked by unfortunate bloody terrorist attacks targeting civilians, but Algerians still celebrate Independence Day as one of the most important days on their calendar.

Cape Verde Independence Day
2016-07-05 | Cape Verde, Cape Verde
Each year we celebrate Cape Verde Independence with a festival at Boston City Hall Plaza on the 4th of July containing music, arts and food festival and Flag Raising. This year, 2015, marked the 40th Anniversary of Independence and we took the celebration up a notch. The Cape Verdean Independence Celebration started as a one-day festival in July 4, 1987.
CV reception at State HouseThe festivities began with a reception at the State House, sponsored by Novo Banco (bank from Cabo Verde) on July 2nd. The only two Cape Verdean Representatives to the Massachusetts State House, Evandro Carvalho and Vinny De Macedo, were present, along with the Ambassadors of Cabo Verde and Portugal, the Consulate General of Cabo Verde, and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. Other local politicians and agency representatives who serve the community were also in attendance.

Central African Republic Independence Day
2016-07-05 | Central African Republic, Central African Republic
People celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and excitement as this day was the one that got them freedom. Central African Republic is known for its traditions and they do their best to safeguard their traditions and culture The oral traditions of the Aka Pygmies of Central Africa is one of the things which are remarkable and beyond any comparison. The great enthusiasm and excitement that the people instill in this celebration is worth mentioning. Every single person of the population enjoys on this particular day to the maximum.

Comoros Independence Day
2016-07-06 | Comoros, Comoros
The Union of the Comoros celebrates its Independence Day on July 6. This public holiday celebrates the day, when the Comoros gained independence from France.
The Union of the Comoros consists of four islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte. The island of Mohéli became French protectorate in 1886, when its sultan Mardjani Abdou Cheikh asked protection from France. The same year one of the sultans of Grande Comore, Said Ali of Bambao, asked French for protection in exchange for their support of his claim to the entire island. The four islands were unified in a single administration and placed under French protection in 1908. After abolishment of the protectorates in 1912, the islands became a province of the colony of Madagascar.

Liberia Independence Day
2016-07-26 | Liberia, Liberia
The Independence Day is the day celebrated by the country to mark its freedom. The country gains independence after a lot of struggle. Once it gains freedom, it no more remains a part of any state or province. Independence Day is also a National Holiday. Liberia also celebrates the Independence Day on July 26.
Liberia is a small county and known for its culture, tradition, academic institution, skills, arts and craft works. It is recovering back slowly from the effect of the civil war. The economy of the country is mainly dependent on agriculture, manufacturing, iron ore and rubber exports. During the war, the export on diamond and few more things were banned. The export of some other commodity could be done even during the war time due to a pact between Liberia’s warlords and foreign concessionaires. Looting in the Liberia has a bicameral legislature and a dual system of statutory law. When you are tried in the lower courts and if you are not convinced with the judgment given, then you can appeal in the Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority of Liberia headed by the Chief Justice. If you want to see and enjoy the events of the Liberia Independence Day, you should find sometime and visit Liberia on July 26.
July 26 is the Liberia Independence Day or national day of Liberia and a big day for the Liberians, as it is the one and only first black nation of Africa to get independence. This day is celebrated with a great joy amongst the Liberians and many other activities and competitions etc are held all throughout the day. Parades take place, children perform many activities, men and women all take an active part in the celebration and all of them together try their level best to make it memorable every year.
It was after 14 year of brutal civil war that the Liberia got its freedom and this day is one more opportunity of the people in Liberia to come together as one nation. The civil war commenced on 1989 and continues till fourteen years and ultimately ended in 2003. This day is marked in the calendar of Liberia as a national holiday. All schools, colleges, offices and banks are closed al the activities in an around Liberia are suspended and all come together to celebrate this day with a great rejoice and happiness.

Benin Independence Day
2016-08-01 | Benin, Benin
The Independence Day is a national holiday in Benin. Celebrations on this day take place on grand scale throughout the country. National leaders deliver speeches reflecting on past and present glories, the national flag is hoisted, and the national anthem sung in government offices, schools, colleges and other public institutions.

Burkina Faso Independence Day
2016-08-05 | Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso celebrates its independence day every year on August 5th. This country got independent from French rule in 1960. Before that, the territory was merged with and separated from other French territories in West Africa.
Until the end of 19th century, the empire-building Mossi dominated the history of Burkina Faso. In 1896, the French claimed the area but Mossi resistance was there till 1901, when the French captured the capital, Ouagadougou. In 1919, the colony of upper Volta was established. It was dismantled and reconstituted several times. The present borders were recognized in 1947.

Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Independence Day
2016-08-07 | Côte D’Ivoire, Cote D'Ivoire
Independence Day is observed nationwide in Côte d’Ivoire, and schools, offices, and general businesses are closed for the day. The day is marked by national cultural events organized locally by the government. In the capital city of Yamoussoukro there are military parades and processions in celebration of the independence of Côte d’Ivoire. During more turbulent political years, the government and opposition forces hold rallies in the streets, and the day is used as a propaganda opportunity. Parties are held all over the country with bangui, the local palm wine, and aloko, ripe banana in palm oil.

Chad Independence Day
2016-08-11 | Chad, Chad
Although Chad achieved her liberty on August 11, 1960, the Independence Day of Chad is celebrated on January 11 to avoid the monsoon in August. Like most of the countries.
Chad also celebrates the Independence Day as a national holiday. The Republic of Chad shares a huge diversity of people with different languages and culture. Still, on the Independence Day, every individual in this African country celebrates their liberty through sports like football and wresting, political assemblies. Delegations from different First world countries also visit here on the Independence Day.
Thus, the Independence Day of Chad not only commemorates the great history of this African nation, but also binds the heart of every individual of Chad through a gala of united nationhood, irrespective of their genre and culture.

Congo Independence Day
2016-08-15 | Congo, Congo
This day is celebrated every year by the Congolese as their Independence day, the day when they gained back their rights to their motherland. This day is declared as the National Holiday and celebrated by a host of events within The Republic of the Congo. With every “Fête Nationale” (Local name for Independence Day) the Congolese realize their needs to develop their country in every possible way which can pave the way for a strong nation.

Gabon Independence Day
2016-08-16 - 2016-08-17 | Gabon, Gabon
The Gabonese Republic celebrates its Independence Day on August 17. This national holiday commemorates the independence of Gabon from France in 1960. The festivities usually last for two days, August 16 and 17.
Gabon is located on the West Coast of Central Africa. Its colonization began in the first half of the 19th century, when France signed treaties with local tribal chiefs and established a protectorate over the coastal area. The French officially occupied the entire territory of Gabon in 1885.
In 1910, Gabon became on of the four territories comprising French Equatorial Africa, along with French Congo, Chad and Ubangi-Shari (now the Central African Republic). In 1922, the first political party, the Jeunesse Gabonais, was created in Gabon. It was anti-colonialist, but not anti-French.
During the Second World War, Gabon was Vichy French for several months. When French Equatorial Africa was dissolved in the late 1950s, France agreed to give Gabon complete independence. Gabon became an independent country on August 17, 1960.
Gabon Independence Day is a public holiday widely celebrated throughout the country. It is marked with official speeches, parades, drum shows, traditional dance programs, parties and other festive events and activities.

Guinea Bissau Independence Day
2016-09-24 | Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
National Day of Guinea-Bissau is celebrated on September 24. This public holiday commemorates the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau from Portugal in 1973.
Guinea-Bissau is a small state located in West Africa. The colonization of the area by the Portuguese started in the 15th century. By the late 19th century, the entire territory of present-day Guinea-Bissau was controlled by Portugal. It was incorporated into the colony of Portuguese Guinea.
In 1952, Guinea-Bissau was granted the status of an overseas province of Portugal. Four years later, the first liberation movement was founded in the province. Originally the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was a peaceful movement, but in 1963 it started the Guinea-Bissau War of Independence.
The war lasted for over ten years. On September 24, 1973, PAIGC proclaimed the independence of Guinea-Bissau. It was recognized by Portugal in September 1974, following the Carnation Revolution.
National Day (Independence Day) of Guinea-Bissau is widely celebrated across the country. The holiday is marked with official speeches, solemn ceremonies, and other festive events and activities. The main celebration is held in the capital city of Bissau.

Botswana Independence Day
2016-09-30 | Botswana, Botswana
Botswana became independent from Great Britain on September 30, 1966. Since 1885, the region had been a British colonycalled the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The biggest Independence Day festivities are held in the capital city of Gaberones,and includes the singing of the national anthem, “Fatshe La Rona” (Blessed Country).

Guinea Independence Day
2016-10-02 | Guinea, Guinea
Guinea was part of a series of West African Empires (Ghana, Mali, and Songhai) ruled by the Muslims. It was during the 15th century that the region came in contact with the European economy. Guinea was invaded by the French army in the mid 1800s and was declared a French protectorate in 1849. France negotiated boundaries with the British for Sierra Leone and with the Portuguese for their Guinea colony (now Guinea-Bissau) and Liberia.
The Franco-Portuguese agreement, dating back to 1886, created the division between the Guinea Republic and Guinea-Bissau. In 1895, the French incorporated the Boke province, the heart of today’s Guinea republic, into French West Africa. The region became a unified entity, which was governed from Dakar.
Before decolonizing, French West Africa was dissolved in 1958. The founding of a Fifth Republic was supported by the French people. France’s colonies were given the option to choose between more autonomy in a new French community or immediate independence. All colonies except Guinea chose the former. Guinea, under Ahmed Sékou Touré’s leadership, won 56 of 60 seats in a 1957 territorial election, voting its way overwhelmingly to independence.
Guinea Independence Day – Traditions, Customs and Activities
Guinea’s Independence day is a national holiday to celebrate and honor the independence that it gained from France. The day is marked with public gatherings in the town halls where the elders and government officials gather and make speeches. This is followed by music and dance, during which the men and women wear the Guinean traditional clothing.

Lesotho Independence Day
2016-10-04 | Lesotho, Lesotho
Lesotho Independence Day is celebrated on October 4. This public holiday commemorates the independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho from Great Britain in 1966.
Lesotho (then Basutoland) became a single entity in 1822. It was united by King Moshoeshoe I. In the 1860s, Moshoeshoe fought a series of wars with Boer settlers, who tried to colonize his lands. Having lost a great portion of his territory, Moshoeshoe asked Queen Victoria for help. She agreed to establish British protectorate over Basutoland in 1858.
The colonial era in Lesotho began in 1870, following Moshoeshoe’s death. In 1871, Basutoland was annexed to Cape Colony. After the Gun War, it was restored to its status as a protectorate. In 1959, Basutoland was granted its first elected legislature. Six years later, the general elections were held. Finally, on October 4, 1966, Lesotho gained full independence.
Independence Day of Lesotho is a national holiday widely celebrated throughout the country. It is marked with flag-raising ceremonies, speeches, colorful parades and processions, performances, and other festive events and activities. The official reception is held in the capital city of Maseru, it is presided by the King and the Prime Minister.

Equatorial Guinea Independence Day
2016-10-12 | Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea
The day a country gains independence is a snapshot of history that is cherished and celebrated by that country forever. The Equatorial Guinea celebrates their Independence Day on October 12 as a celebration of pride.
The celebration of Independence Day in Equatorial Guinea is similar to the celebration of the United States. Public facilities are typically closed and many celebrations are held in honor of this day. For example, a festival was held in the town of Evinayong, a provincial capital on the continent as a celebration of spirit and pride for the country.

Angola Independence Day
2016-11-11 | Angola, Angola
Angola is a southern African nation whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. The country’s colonial history is reflected in its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and its landmarks including Fortaleza de São Miguel, built by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend the capital, Luanda.
Angola becomes independent after 14 years of armed resistance to Portuguese colonial rule.

Kenya Independence Day
2016-12-12 | Kenya, Kenya
On December 12, 1963, Kenyans celebrated their independence from the British. Locals often refer to Independence Day as Jamhuri Day. (Jamhuri is a Swahili word that means “Republic”.) This is Kenya’s most important holiday and the most widely celebrated, joined by all Kenyans around the world.
Independence Day is associated with Dedan Kimathi, a Kenyan rebel leader who fought the British in the 1950s. Kimathi was jailed and executed by the British in 1957 for his role in the Mau Mau uprising. Jomo Kenyatta was also imprisoned for his fight by peaceful means for Kenya’s Independence.
Kenya was under British reign starting in 1920. Even though Kenyans did react to their loss of rights, the British did not falter and oppressed any attempt to release Kenya from their grip. It took Kenyans patience and courage to front the colonizing forces and achieve their goal to be free. Jomo Kenyatta led their first attempts to push away the British from Kenya, keeping faithful to the pursuit of freedom by peaceful means, but the British were never moved. Later, in the 1950s, Dedan Kimathi led a violent response during the Mau Mau uprising, resulting in a huge loss of life and the imprisonment of several African political leaders by the British. The political turmoil continued during the 1960s, and in 1963, Kenya obtained full independence from the British.
Traditionally the President gives a speech at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, accompanied by government officials and military forces. Sometimes this event gives reason to protesters to hold rallies against the Kenyan Government. Independence Day is also marked by cultural festivities celebrating Kenya’s unique cultural identity. Kenya’s colorful flag is hung in buildings and private houses, and all over the capital city of Nairobi.
Kenyans dress in traditional and colorful kikoys and kitenges and celebrate their country’s freedom. Natives make typical Kenyan dishes such as Ugali, porridge made of maize, or Irio, mashed vegetables rolled into balls and dipped into meat stews. Kenyan communities all over the world usually gather during this day and celebrate their African heritage.

Afro Hair Culture Beauty Festival
2019-12-13 09:00 - 2019-12-14 22:00 (Europe/Paris) | Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
The Afro Hair Culture Beauty Festival is a platform created to educate people about the toxic chemicals in hair and beauty products, encourage the manufacture of healthy alternatives and promote the beauty in African natural hair.

African Fashion Week
2019-12-20 - 2019-12-21 | Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Africa fashion week Nigeria is an initiative that will celebrate and promote Nigeria’s diverse fashion culture. It would feature exhibitions by top fashion designers/ brands and talks centered on the business of fashion.

Libya Independence Day
2016-12-24 | Libya, Libya
Independence Day is celebrated in Libya on December 24. This holiday marks the anniversary of the Libyan independence declaration from British and French oversight in 1951.
Libya became Italian colony after the end of the Italo-Turkish War. From 1912 to 1927 territory of Libya was known as Italian North Africa, and then it was divided into two colonies, Italian Cyrenaica and Italian Tripolitania.
Italy lost control of Libya during World War II, when Italy was occupied by the Allies. Britain controlled Cyrenaica and Tripolitania, while France administered Fezzan. In 1947 Italy signed the peace treaty, relinquishing its claims to Libya under its terms. In 1949 the UN General Assembly declared, that Libya should gain independence by January 1, 1952. On December 24, 1951 Libya declared independence form British and French oversight and became known as the United Kingdom of Libya.
For a long time Libyans didn’t celebrate this holiday at the state level. Under Muammar Gaddafi’s rule only the 1969 coup that led him to power was marked. In 2011 Libyans were able to celebrate Independence Day for the first time.

Cameroon Independence Day
2017-01-01 | Cameroon, Cameroon
January 1 is a very important holiday for the Republic of Cameroon because this day marks gaining independence from France. Independence Day in Cameroon is celebrated on January 1 since 1960.
Earlier Cameroon was the territory administered by the German Empire. But during World War I the territory of Cameroon was occupied by French and British and divided into two parts as League of Nations mandate. First steps to gain independence from France and Britain were made in 1950s. Then the Union des Populations du Cameroun advocated its rights for independence, but France outlawed it. This pushed Cameroon political party to wage the war that ended only in 1971. Anyway since 1960 the territory of Cameroon administered by French became independent and was ruled by President Ahmadou Ahidjo. The Union des Populations du Cameroun officially changed its name to the Republic of Cameroun.

Gambia Independence Day
2016-02-18 | Gambia, Gambia
The Republic of the Gambia became an independent nation on February 18, 1965. They were the last of the British colonies in Africa to gain independence. The Gambia adopted the motto of “Progress, Peace, Prosperity” following its independence and has been celebrating the Independence Day of Gambia as a national holiday.
The Gambia was the first African nation to be colonized by the British. The Duke and Duchess of Kent were present at the handover of power to the Gambian people. The British had ruled the country for over 300 years. On the eve of February 18, 1965, the Duke and Duchess celebrated with the 35 Gambian chiefs. At the stroke of midnight, Gambia became the smallest African nation. The British Union Jack was lowered and was replaced with the Gambian national flag. Gambia subsequently became a member of the United Nations and Commonwealth.
The Independence Day of The Gambia is celebrated with great fanfare. Official celebrations are held at McCarthy Square in the capital Banjul. Parades are organized by the army, civil servants, and school children. The President and other important dignitaries are present at the celebrations.

Egypt Independence Day
2016-02-28 | Kingdom of Egypt, Egypt
Independence or National Days are the most important day for a country to celebrate as a national holiday. The majority of the countries on earth became independent after 1800 and many more following World War II when European powers granted independence to their colonial holdings, especially Africa.
People all over Egypt celebrate this day every year by having national parades and musical and dance performances in the country’s capital, Cairo and also by singing patriotic songs. The constitution of the country also comes together to delegate international treaties and extend their relationship with the other countries of the world, discuss the country’s performance, progress and peace on this day.

Ethiopian National Day: Battle of Adwa
2016-03-02 | Ethiopian Empire, Ethiopia
Ethiopia celebrates the Victory of Adowa, also known as Battle of Adwa (Adowa or Adua in Italian), every 1st of March every year. The Battle of Adowa that sparked between Ethiopia and Italy on March 1, 1896.
The Victory of Adwa marks this event as a celebration for national unity and progress and sends a real message to the European countries that not all African countries are “for the taking” by ambitious European countries.
Ethiopia celebrates the victory of Adwa by visiting monuments and cemeteries to honor those who perished in the Battle of Adwa. Government officials usually conduct public ceremonies and put wreath especially under the monument of Emperor Menelik II at Menelik Square.
Public officials would usually deliver speeches encouraging the public to enliven the values of Ethiopian and learn from the patriotism of the heroes of Adwa who bravely resisted colonial rule. Since this is a national holiday, most Ethiopians usually stay at home, while some visit at park or attend cultural events.

Ghana Independence Day
2016-03-06 | Ghana, Ghana
The Independence Day of Ghana was officially announced on 6th March, 1957. The people of Ghana were under the rule of the British and finally with lots of struggle the country became free. Ghana was the first Black African country to gain its independence.
The Ghanaian Independence Day is a very important day in the Ghanaian calendar. On 6th March, 2008 the people of Ghana celebrated the 50th anniversary of Ghana’s Independence Day. Hundreds of people gathered at the Newham Town Hall to hear the Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales’s speech, other than Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, His Excellency Annan Cato, and Councillor Joy Laguda. The national flag was raised as people joined to sing the national anthem of Ghana.Thousands of Ghanaians gathered round the streets to enjoy the Independence Day of the country. The partygoers wrapped themselves in the red, yellow and green national flag adorned with a black star and swayed with the music under the moonlight.
Dancers and drummers from the Ghana National Dance Ensemble traveled with the common people in the streets and danced their way out.
Whole day long, it being a public holiday, workshops, demonstrations, performances are carried out for the people’s amusement, where the Ghanaian people celebrate the end of colonial rule and the dawn of their independence. All sing the national anthem “God Bless Our Homeland Ghana”, which was also adopted on Ghana’s Independence Day. In the evening the skies light up with beautiful fireworks as the people gather to show respect to all the people who fought tirelessly for the Independence Day of Ghana.
