Top Independence Days around the World
Top Independence Days around the World
We’ve all heard of Bastille Day on 14th July in France, and earlier in July we celebrated Independence Day in the United States. But are you aware of some of the other days of national independence around the world? Read on for some lesser known - but equally fascinating - festivities.
We’ve all heard of Bastille Day on 14th July in France, and earlier in July we celebrated Independence Day in the United States. But are you aware of some of the other days of national independence around the world? Read on for some lesser known - but equally fascinating - festivities.
Haiti
On 1st January every year, Haiti celebrates its independence. The date marks the anniversary of the world’s first successful slave revolt, which led to the founding of a state free from slavery, ruled by non-whites and former captives. The Haitian Revolution, from 1791 to 1804, is considered the greatest slave uprising since Spartacus led a revolt against the Romans nearly two thousand years prior.
Haitians mark the anniversary by eating ‘joumou’, a spicy pumpkin-based soup. During colonial times, only the French were allowed to eat soup, while lower class slaves were prohibited from doing so. Nowadays, the sharing of “joumou” is said to represent equality among Haitians.
Mexico
Not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo, Grito de Dolores (‘Cry of Dolores’) is the annual celebration of Mexican independence. Celebrated on 16th September, the name refers to the battle cry given by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in front of his church in Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo), urging its citizens to revolt. Earlier that day, Costilla and others had freed 80 pro-independence prisoners from the local sheriff’s office.
The day marked the beginning of a decade of war, ending in in 1821 with the signing of the the Declaration of Mexican Independence.
On the night of 15th September, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City, repeats a shout of patriotism based on the Grito de Dolores, and cries Viva Mexico three times. After flag waving and singing of the national anthem, the following day is celebrated with parades and other festivities, including spectacular fireworks displays.
Indonesia
Indonesia celebrates its independence from the Netherlands on 17th August each year.
The day is marked by a reading of the Indonesian Proclamation of Independence – and some interesting games. One in particular is ‘Panjat Pinang’, played across the country. Nut trees are cut down, their trunks greased, and competitors race to be the first to climb to the top. A wheel of prizes awaits the victor who races to the top. It’s not uncommon to see bicycles and televisions within reach.
The game is said to represent the struggle of the Indonesian peoples to gain independence from the Dutch.
South Korea
On 15th August each year, South Korea celebrates its national independence day, known as Gwangbokjeol – meaning ‘The Day The Light Returned’. The day commemorates the 1945 liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese colonial rule, which resulted in the formation of the two states of North and South Korea. On the same day that South Korea was formed with pro-US President Syngman Rhee, North Korea was also formed with pro-Soviet Kim Il-Sung becoming their first president.
What’s interesting on this day, in addition to the formation of the two contrasting states, is the South Korean government’s leniency – special pardons are given to prisoners on this day each year and many are released back into society.