São Tomé Day: December 21
São Tomé Day is a public holiday in São Tomé e Príncipe.
On December 21, the islands of São Tomé and Principe celebrate the day that they were discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1470. The day also has a religious significance since it is also the day of Saint Thomas, from whom the islands take the name and celebrate their Catholic identity.
History of São Tomé Day
São Tomé and Principe were inhabited islands before they were found by Portuguese navigators around 1470. The islands were discovered by João de Santarem and Pedro Escobar. The duo found that the islands were perfect for settlements and made convenient commercial bases for trade with mainland Africa. The date given for the discovery is December 21, the day of Saint Thomas, or Tomé in Portuguese.
By the late 1950’s, São Tomé and Principe started to demand independence from the Portuguese, São Tomeans formed a liberation movement that later in 1974 would achieve independence. After the 1974 revolution in Portugal, the people removed the dictatorship and gave freedom to all colonies in Africa, including São Tomé and Principe, through the Argel Accords.
São Tomé Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
In São Tomé e Principe celebrations mean color, music, dance, and food. In the morning the President and politicians gather in the city of São Tomé, capital of São Tomé e Principe, to give rousing speeches. They leave the stage open afterwards for music and dance, the people’s primary way of expression. Around the island, families gather to eat dishes of fish with vegetables and calulu, a dish made with layers of dried fish and fresh fish served with beans. Additionally, plantains and bananas are cooked in many different ways to supplement the calulu.
Other interesting posts:
- Sao Tome and Principe’s Liberty Heroes’ Day
- Family Day Observed in São Tomé
- Sao Tome Marks Agricultural Reform Day
- Sao Tome salutes Armed Forces Day
- Martyrs’ Day Commemorated in the Maldives
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