Independence Day in Ivory Coast

When did the Independence Day in Ivory Coast start?

The first recorded date of Independence Day in Ivory Coast being celebrated on August 7 was in the year 1960.

About Independence Day in Ivory Coast Holiday

The Independence Day of Ivory Coast, also known as National Day, is held annually on August 7th. It marks the day in 1960 when the country became an independent state after gaining its freedom from France, formerly the colonial authority.

On this festive day, the people of Ivory Coast celebrate the accomplishment of generations of freedom fighters and leaders who worked hard to obtain independence. They enjoy parades, special performances, fireworks, and festive meals while the national flags are hoisted in many public places. The national anthem is also played to honor the nation. On the day, many people in cities dress up in traditional costumes, and cities are given special decorations to mark the occasion. On this day, the people of the Ivory Coast also get to hear inspiring speeches by head of state, each of which emphasizes the importance of cherishing their independence and continuing to strive for a prosperous nation.

Independence Day in Ivory Coast

Independence Day is an important national holiday in Ivory Coast, celebrated on August 7th each year. It marks the establishment of the Ivory Coast as an independent state after nearly seventy years of French colonial rule. The holiday is characterized by streets bustling with flag- waving crowds, enthusiastic festival performances, political speeches, and a sense of shared pride among the many nations of the country.

In Ivory Coast, Independence Day is a day for the nation to honor and remember its struggles against colonialism, its struggle for freedom and its journey to nationhood. It is also a day to celebrate the successes achieved by its people since independence was declared in 1960.

History of Ivory Coast

Prior to French colonization of the region, the area now known as Ivory Coast was divided into small empires and kingdoms. The region was an important center for the Trans-Saharan slave trade, which led to the arrival of French merchant ships in the 19th century. The French sought to consolidate their hold on the area by creating the French West African colony of Ivory Coast in 1904.

In 1956, Ivory Coast became an autonomous member of the French Community and in late 1958, Ivory Coast declared full independence from France. The president of Ivory Coast, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, declared the holiday of Ivory Coast Independence Day on August 7, 1960, the day before the first anniversary of the country’s independence from France.

Celebrations of Independence Day

Independence Day is a public holiday in Ivory Coast and is usually celebrated on August 7th, the same day it was declared as a holiday by Félix Houphouët-Boigny in 1960. The day is marked with grand celebrations throughout the country, from festivals and parades to political speeches and firework displays.

In the cities, Independence Day celebrations usually begin early in the morning with a military procession led by the president of Ivory Coast traveling the streets of the capital. Smaller parades are held in the neighborhoods and villages throughout the country and are usually led by local dignitaries. The parades are full of people wearing traditional clothing, singing and dancing, waving flags and singing the Ivory Coast national anthem.

At the climax of the celebrations, a grand fireworks display is carried out in several of the major cities. People gather in their communities, symbolically light candles in honor of lost loved ones, and unite with their countrymen by singing the national anthem.

Besides the official celebrations, citizens also celebrate the day in more informal ways. Festivals are held in many communities, where people enjoy food, music, dancing and traditional sports such as wrestling and traditional African drumming. Some villages have their own annual celebrations, with offering of prayers to ancestral spirits and traditional ceremonies.

Conclusion

The celebration of Independence Day in Ivory Coast is a time for people to come together and reflect on their nation’s history, its struggles and successes. It is also a time for citizens to celebrate the diversity and the spirit of unity that binds the nation together. Each year, the holiday brings a renewed sense of hope and pride as the citizens of Ivory Coast come together to celebrate their nation’s independence and the bright future that lies ahead.

How to Say "Independence Day in Ivory Coast" In Different Languages?