National Day in Cameroon
National Day is a holiday in Cameroon.
When is National Day in Cameroon
National Day is celebrated on 20, May, 2023 in Cameroon.
About National Day in Cameroon
The National Day holiday in Cameroon, also known as “La Fête de l’Unité” (Unity Day), is celebrated annually on May 20th. It is a significant day for the country as it commemorates the reunification of French and British-administered parts of Cameroon.
The history behind National Day dates back to the colonial era. Prior to 1960, Cameroon was divided into two separate territories: French Cameroon and British Cameroon. On January 1, 1960, French Cameroon gained independence from France, while British Cameroon remained under British rule. However, in 1961, a plebiscite was held in British Cameroon, resulting in the northern part joining Nigeria and the southern part joining French Cameroon.
On May 20, 1972, a national referendum was held, leading to the adoption of a new constitution that transformed Cameroon into a unitary state. This marked the official reunification of French and British Cameroon, and May 20th was declared as National Day to commemorate this event.
National Day is celebrated with various activities and festivities throughout the country. The capital city, Yaoundé, becomes the center of the celebrations, with a grand parade held at the 20th May Boulevard. The parade features military displays, cultural performances, traditional dances, and floats representing different regions of Cameroon.
The President of Cameroon presides over the celebrations and delivers a speech highlighting the achievements and progress of the country. The event is attended by government officials, foreign diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life. It is a day of national pride, unity, and reflection on the country’s history and accomplishments.
Besides the parade, there are also sports competitions, cultural exhibitions, music concerts, and other public events organized across the country. Many people dress in traditional attire, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Cameroon.
National Day is a public holiday, and schools, businesses, and government offices are closed to allow citizens to participate in the celebrations. It is a time for Cameroonians to come together, express their patriotism, and celebrate the unity and diversity of their nation.
History of National Day in Cameroon
The National Day holiday in Cameroon, also known as “La Fête de l’Unité” (Unity Day), is celebrated on May 20th every year. It commemorates the reunification of two former British and French territories, which eventually formed the Republic of Cameroon.
The history of the National Day holiday dates back to the colonial era. Cameroon was initially colonized by Germany in the late 19th century. However, after World War I, Germany lost its colonies, and Cameroon was divided between France and Britain under the League of Nations mandate.
The French-administered territory, known as French Cameroon, gained independence on January 1, 1960. The British-administered territory, known as British Southern Cameroons, was granted the option to join Nigeria or Cameroon. After a United Nations-sponsored plebiscite in 1961, British Southern Cameroons chose to join French Cameroon.
On October 1, 1961, the Federal Republic of Cameroon was established as a federation between French Cameroon and British Southern Cameroons. This marked the reunification of the two territories, with each retaining some level of autonomy.
However, the federation system faced challenges, and in 1972, a national referendum was held to abolish the federation and establish a unitary state. The majority of Cameroonians voted in favor of a unitary state, leading to the creation of the United Republic of Cameroon.
In 1984, President Paul Biya changed the country’s name to the Republic of Cameroon, the same name it had during the German colonial period. This change aimed to symbolize national unity and continuity with Cameroon’s pre-colonial history.
The National Day holiday was established to celebrate the reunification of French Cameroon and British Southern Cameroons, as well as to promote national unity and pride. It is a significant day in Cameroon’s history and is marked by various celebrations, including parades, cultural performances, speeches, and fireworks.
On this day, Cameroonians come together to honor their country’s diverse cultural heritage and reaffirm their commitment to national unity. It serves as a reminder of the country’s journey towards independence and the consolidation of a unified nation.
How is National Day celebrated in Cameroon
National Day in Cameroon is celebrated on May 20th each year to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1960. The celebrations typically include various cultural and traditional activities, parades, speeches, and fireworks. Here are some key ways National Day is celebrated in Cameroon:
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Official ceremonies: The day begins with an official ceremony attended by government officials, including the President and other dignitaries. The national flag is raised, and the national anthem is sung.
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Military parade: A grand military parade is held in the capital city, Yaoundé, showcasing the country’s armed forces. Soldiers, police, and other security forces march in uniform while displaying their skills and equipment.
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Cultural displays: Various cultural groups from different regions of Cameroon participate in the festivities, showcasing their traditional dances, music, costumes, and crafts. This allows for a celebration of the country’s rich cultural diversity.
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Traditional ceremonies: Traditional rulers and chiefs play a significant role in the celebrations. They perform rituals and ceremonies that reflect their customs and traditions, symbolizing unity and national identity.
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Sports events: National Day often includes sports competitions, such as football (soccer) matches, athletics, and other sporting activities. These events promote camaraderie and healthy competition among citizens.
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Street parades: Colorful street parades take place in major cities and towns, featuring marching bands, floats, and people dressed in traditional attire. These parades are a source of joy and entertainment for both participants and spectators.
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Public speeches: Government officials, community leaders, and prominent individuals deliver speeches highlighting the importance of independence and unity. They often address current national issues and future aspirations.
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Fireworks: The day concludes with spectacular fireworks displays in the evening, lighting up the sky and creating a festive atmosphere.
Overall, National Day in Cameroon is a time for citizens to come together, celebrate their independence, and showcase their national pride and cultural heritage.
Dates
National Day will be celebrated in Cameroon on 2023-05-20, 2024-05-20, 2025-05-20, 2026-05-20, 2027-05-20 in the comming years.