Agricultural Reform Day is a significant holiday in Sao Tome and Principe. Observed annually on September 30th, this day marks the anniversary of the nationalization of the plantations. This event took place in 1975, post the country's independence from Portugal. The holiday looks back on the transformation of the country's agricultural landscape, a process that not only altered the economic structure of the nation, but also gave power back to the local communities who had formerly been subjected to colonial plantation rule.
Sao Tome and Principe's economy was primarily based on cocoa production during the colonial era, making it also known as the 'Chocolate Islands'. The nationalization process of Agricultural Reform Day sought to redistribute the large plantation estates, known as roças, to local farming families. These actions aimed to break down the oppressive systems instituted by colonial rule and promote more equitable distribution of resources and wealth.
Today, Agricultural Reform Day is celebrated as a public holiday with various activities across the country. These activities mainly revolve around the very lifeblood of the country's economy - agriculture. It is seen as a day to honor and remember the struggle of the people to reclaim their resources. Despite the challenges, the spirit of resilience and the recognition of agriculture's pivotal role in the country's development remain central themes of the day.