Independence Day Date: December 9
Independence Day is a public holiday in Tanzania.
Siku ya Uhuru—or Independence Day in English—is a national holiday in Tanzania and is the second most important event in the country after Unification day celebrated on April 15th. It is the day that Tanzanians celebrate their peaceful transition to independence from being a British colony.
History of Independence Day in Tanzania
In 1884, mainland Tanzania was a German colony named Tanganyika, and the Sultanate of Zanzibar began as a British protectorate in 1890. Later in 1918, Tanganyika became a British mandate territory. In May 1961, Tanganyika became autonomous from the British. Julius Nyerere became Prime Minister during this period and a new constitution was written to fully implement the transition to Independence by Tanganyika. Full independence was only achieved on December 9, 1961.
Julius Nyerere was this time elected president, and Tanganyika became a republic within the British Commonwealth just one year after independence. Soon after the British Protectorate of Zanzibar was proclaimed as independent, an armed coup ousted the government, and the Sultan had to find refuge in exile. The island merged with the new Republic of Tanganyika in 1964. Together they formed the United Republic of Tanzania on October 29, 1964.
Tanzania’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
For Independence Day, Tanzanians celebrate the day with fireworks, and there is excitement in the streets of Dar es Salaam, the former capital. The official celebrations are held at National Stadium with the president, prime minister, government officials and celebrities usually in attendance. Simultaneously a torch is taken to the summit of Kilimanjaro, in the north of Tanzania, as a symbol of determination and freedom for all African countries in their independence struggles. The president grants pardons to hundreds of prisoners, usually over 70 years old or suffering from cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Animals such as cows, goats, and chickens are butchered for the local delicacies of Ugali and Pilau.
Other interesting posts:
- Tanzania Commemorates Union Day
- Tanzania Peasants’ Day
- Burkina Faso Commemorates the Proclamation of the Republic
- Somalia Commemorates Its Independence
- Iceland Commemorates Independence Day
Other interesting posts:
