Revolution Day: November 1, 2009
Revolution Day is a public holiday in Algeria.
November 1, in Algeria commemorates the first successfully coordinated attacks on 1954, by the National Liberation Front, against French military installations, public utilities, and communications facilities. The fights continued until March 18, 1962, when an agreement was reached between French and the National Liberation Front at Evian, France.
History of Revolution Day
Algeria was colonized by the French in 1983, who created the borders of what is today Algeria. The country was controlled by the French, and Algeria had representatives in the French National Assembly, but far from the developed and modernized zones in Northern Algeria, the traditional Muslim populations in rural areas still kept themselves apart from the French. On November 1, 1954 the National Liberation Front was built up from merging other small groups that had been fighting to obtain independence for Algeria from France. The first attacks were successful and the National Liberation Front gained momentum against the French. The guerrilla war that ensued took the lives of many from both sides, as civilian targets were taken down without regard for human lives. Finally on March 18, 1962, in Evian, France, both parties at war reached an agreement by signing the Evian Accords, a cease fire was proclaimed from that day onwards, and France agreed to the self determination of Algeria and continued economical support to Algeria. Algeria obtained full independence by referendum on July 1, 1962, the vote was nearly unanimous for independence.
Revolution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Revolution Day is mostly celebrated at a political level, with speeches and official gatherings. Most of Algerian families prepare Algerian traditional dishes, such as couscous with the meat of rooster, freshly slaughtered in the house. Events and seminars are organized in the capital, Algiers, music concerts featuring Algerian artists. Since it is a non working holiday, Algerians enjoy going to the beach and playing, or watching soccer games, which is the most popular sport in Algeria.
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