Independence Day in Cabo Verde
The Republic of Cabo Verde is an island country and archipelago situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, with a combined land area of about 4,000 square kilometers. It is a country with a population of just over half a million people, and Portuguese is their official language.
In this country, Independence Day is observed as a public holiday on July 5th every year and commemorates the country’s independence from Portugal on this day in 1975. It was a country ruled by Portugal since the 15th century, but the spreading desire for independence across Africa eventually led to Cabo Verde declaring independence.
The History Of Independence Day In Cabo Verde
During the 15th century, Portuguese navigators discovered the islands, and Portuguese settlers began to set up permanent colonies not long after. These colonies became quite successful because the islands were an important point for the Atlantic slave trade and were also useful for resupplying ships heading to locations in the Americas.
Even so, there was some unrest beginning to rise in the country, especially after World War II ended. Portugal tried to change the status of Cabo Verde from a colony to an overseas province, but that did little to quell the discontent brewing in the country, and the nationalist movement began to take root.
Eventually, war broke out on the African mainland, and Portuguese Guinea declared independence in 1973. On June 30, 1975, a National Assembly received instruments of independence from Portugal, and by July 5, 1975, the country was sovereign.
Observing Independence Day In Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde celebrates Independence Day in many of the same ways that other countries celebrate their own days of independence. This includes music and concerts, street festivals, parades, and lots of political speeches alluding to freedom.
It is also a day on which people can spend time with their families and enjoy some good meals. On the Internet, the hashtag #CaboVerdeIndependenceDay can be used to spread the word about this holiday far and wide.