The National Day is a designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or nonsovereign country. This nationhood can be symbolized by the date of independence, of becoming a republic or a significant date for a patron saint or a ruler (birthday, accession, removal, etc.). Often the day is not called “National Day” but serves and can be considered as one. The National Day will often be a national holiday.
01 April: National Day of Cyprus.
This holiday is also known to some as Greek Cypriot National Day. Cyprus had been under British administration since 1878 after the island was handed over in an agreement with the Ottoman Empire for British military support, if needed, against Russia. On 1 April 1955, a guerilla organisation was established called Ethnikí Organósis Kipriakóu Agónos (EOKA), or the National Organisation of the Cypriot Struggle. Its aim was to secure Cyprus’s independence from colonial Britain in year 1955, and for union with Greece (known as enosis). The organisation was established by Archbishop Makarios III and led by General George Grivas.
04 April: The National Day of Senegal and celebrates independence from France on 4 April 1960.
By the end of the 17th century France had taken control of the area around modern Dakar as effectively a staging post for the Atlantic slave trade. It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that the French extended their control deeper into the mainland, taking over almost all the local kingdoms. In April 1959 Senegal merged with the French Sudan to form the Mali Federation. A transfer of power agreement was signed with France on 4 April 1960, which led to formal independence on 20 June 1960.
27 April: The Freedom Day of South African
That allows South Africans to celebrate the end of apartheid rule and the first non-racial election in South Africa. This is an important occasion for South Africa’s indigenous people and various ethnic groups. While Freedom Day is an important day for black Africans, it is also a joyous occasion for all South Africans who value the concept of freedom. Freedom Day is observed as a national public holiday on April 27 each year. With new franchise rights, black Africans and other citizens elected Nelson Mandela to be South Africa’s new president in 1994. This officially ended apartheid in South Africa.
27 April: Independence Day in Sierra Leone
To remember the day in 1961 that Sierra Leone gained its freedom from British rule. Despite the noble ambitions of the colony’s founders, there was much injustice in the colony, and an independence movement arose during the 1950’s. Internal self-rule was allowed in 1953, and full independence was granted on 27 April, 1961.
