Freedom Day in Equatorial Guinea
In Equatorial Guinea, the 3rd of August is observed as Freedom Day. This holiday commemorates the date in 1979 when the dictator Francisco Macias Nguema was deposed by Teodoro Obiang. It is an extremely important national holiday in the country and celebrates the end of a regime that oppressed the people of Equatorial Guinea for over a decade.
Equatorial Guinea (National holiday)For the general population, this day is a day off, and many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed for the day. It is also a day that is observed with a variety of fairs, parades, and other special events for the public to enjoy.
The History of Freedom Day in Equatorial Guinea
In 1968, Equatorial Guinea gained its independence, and Francisco Macias Nguema became the first president of the country. Macias soon increased his presidential power and then went on to change the constitution to make himself president for life. He arrested, terrorized, and executed all those who opposed his reign.
In 1979, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ousted him in a coup d’état. After Macias was removed from the halls of power, he was tried and executed for his crimes. Obiang would become the president of Equatorial Guinea. Currently, Obiang is the longest-serving president in the world.
Observing Freedom Day in Equatorial Guinea
This holiday is commemorated with a number of different events all across Equatorial Guinea. This includes parades, festivals, and other events. The president of the country usually oversees the official events in the capital city of Malabo, but there are certainly smaller events held all across the country as well.
Many residents take the day to visit these events or to spend time with friends and family members. While people are enjoying the day with their loved ones, it is a good day for them to enjoy smoked beef, roasted duck, or seasoned chicken — foods that are popular during holiday festivities.
Equatorial Guinea (National holiday)
