National Heroes And Heroines Day
National Heroes and Heroines Day is a holiday observed in Anguilla on the 19th of December. It celebrates, honors, and commemorates all the people who have sacrificed and contributed to the country. This date in December also marks when Anguilla fully seceded from the territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla.
Anguilla (Public holiday)The holiday was originally known as Separation Day—a name that was changed only a few years ago to the holiday’s current name. It is celebrated with a good amount of fervor in Anguilla, and many people celebrate it on this day.
The History of National Heroes and Heroines Day
In 1962, this country was merged with St. Kitts and Nevis, an associated statehood that ended up brewing resentment in Anguilla. This eventually came to a head in 1967 when the Anguillan people marched on the Police HQ and evicted the Royal St. Kitts Police Force from the island.
On December 19, 1980, Anguilla fully seceded from the territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. In honor of this event, Separation Day was established. Separation Day was eventually renamed National Heroes and Heroines Day. Although several countries throughout the Caribbean have a National Heroes Day, Anguilla is the only one that also includes heroines in its title.
Observing National Heroes and Heroines Day
Because this holiday falls right before Christmas, many tourists visit Anguilla on or around this day for a winter vacation. This means that the island tends to be busy at this time, but that doesn’t prevent people from enjoying the holiday.
People enjoy the beaches on this day, visit local restaurants and cafes, and spend time with friends and family members. People also use the hashtag #NationalHeroesAndHeroinesDay on their social media accounts to spread the word about this holiday to everyone around the world.
Anguilla (Public holiday)
