Independence Day in Sao Tome and Principe is celebrated annually on July 12. The day commemorates the country’s independence from Portugal that was achieved on July 12, 1975. Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation situated in the Gulf of Guinea off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa, and it was the last of the Portuguese colonies in Africa to gain independence.
The Independence Day celebration is a day filled with joy and national pride. It begins with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by parades and cultural performances showcasing the local customs and traditions. Prayers are also held for peace and prosperity of the country. Many families take this opportunity to gather together and have feasts, turning the day into a grand nationwide party.
As the day is a national holiday, businesses and government offices are closed allowing everyone to participate in the festivities. People from all corners of the country come to celebrate the day marking their independence. From rural to urban areas, everyone joins in the celebration with a sense of unity and national pride. The day serves as a reminder of the country's struggle for independence and its growth since then, making Independence Day one of the most important and enthusiastically celebrated holidays in Sao Tome and Principe.