Liberty Heroes’ Day: February 3
Liberty Heroes’ Day is a public holiday Sao Tome and Principe.
Just like any other countries, Sao Tome and Principe celebrates their yearly National Heroes’ Day held every 3rd of February. This yearly celebration serves as the country’s formal day to remember the remarkable bravery of their countrymen who battled to achieve their independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975.
History of Sao Tome and Principe and its Liberty Heroes’ Day
Sao Tome is Sao Tome and Principe’s capital city. The name is of Portuguese origin which means Saint Thomas, since it was founded by Portugal in 1485.
When Portugal first came across Sao Tome and Principe on 1472, it was transformed by the Portuguese rulers into a large plantation of sugar thus enslaving the natives. Fifty years after the discovery of Portugal on Sao Tome and Principe, on 1522, the country was declared as under the Portuguese colony. Followed by the colonization was the declaration of Portuguese colonies to become Portugal’s overseas province.
Because of the ruthless treatment that Sao Tome and Principe underwent with the ruling power of Portugal, the citizens attempted to establish several liberalization movements however, failed several times.
On the attempt to gain independence, the natives of Sao Tome established the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP) and from then, the Portuguese government made an agreement for the termination of its overseas colonies.
On July 12 1975, Sao Tome and Principe was finally freed from the Portuguese regime electing Manuel Pinto da Costa as the country’s first president.
Liberty Heroes’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
To date, the Sao Tomeans continue to look up to the heroes’ which made their independence possible. Yearly during this event, a lot of non-governmental organizations are organizing events and rallies as one way of giving respect and devotion to their national heroes.
Other interesting posts:
- São Tomé Day Celebrated in São Tomé e Príncipe
- Sao Tome Marks Agricultural Reform Day
- Family Day Observed in São Tomé
- Sao Tome salutes Armed Forces Day
- Portugal Commemorates Liberty Day
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