Liberia Independence
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Founded. The American Colonization Society, which helped freed African-American slaves to relocate, established Monrovia, Liberia's capital
History
Liberia Founded. The American Colonization Society, which helped freed African-American slaves to relocate, established Monrovia, Liberia's capital
How It's Celebrated
Liberia Independence is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
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View all →Armed Forces Day
Formerly known as Resistance Day, Armed Forces Day is a prominent national holiday in the country of Myanmar. In 2027, Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 27 March. The holiday will be on Monday 27 March in 2028. It’s celebrated every year on March 27, commemorating the beginning of the Burmese National Army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. The day features an assortment of celebrations, with the most iconic being a marching parade and displays of Myanmar’s military forces. However, the lingering effect of years of brutal military rule has made Armed Forces Day a controversial holiday among Myanmar’s citizens. In the years leading up to World War II, the country of Myanmar, then known as Burma, was nearing a state of open rebellion. Burma had been under British rule in some form or another for more than a century, resulting in very poor treatment of the native Burmese and fostering a deep resentment for the British. Guerrilla warfare frequently erupted, eventually leading to a strong nationalist movement and a desire for independence. British rule finally ended in 1942 when, facilitated by Burmese leaders who were led to believe they would be granted independence, the Japanese army successfully invaded Burma. It soon became clear, however, that the Japanese had no intention of surrendering control of the country. Increasingly frustrated and resentful of a Japanese occupation that led to the deaths of as many as 250,000 citizens, a young Burmese general named Aung San organised a resistance against the Japanese military. On March 27, 1945, Aung San and his national army rose up against the Japanese, launching attacks across the country and again changing allegiances to the Allied powers. The resistance quickly led to the ousting of Japanese forces and, eventually, Burmese independence. Unfortunately, the achievement of independence in 1948 was not the end of Burma’s troubles. The republican government was overthrown by a coup d’état led by General Ne Win in 1962. Burma has been under some form of military rule until recently, leading to frequent internal conflicts as well as widespread accusations of suppression, corruption and human rights violations. Sporadic protests against the military government were dealt with harshly and often suppressed by violence. Several attempts at democratisation were made over the years, including nominally “free” elections in 1990, but most were quickly shut down by the military leadership. Originally created to celebrate the start of the successful opposition to fascist power, Resistance Day was once the most cherished secular holiday in Myanmar. The meaning has changed over the years, however, as is reflected by the name change. Today, Armed Forces Day is primarily an opportunity for the Burmese government to tout the power of the national military, known as the Tatmadaw. While many citizens still take great pride in the Burmese armed forces, many other citizens – particularly ethnic groups that are often subject to discrimination and abuse by the military – view the holiday in its modern form with contempt. The most visible and high-profile celebration of Armed Forces Day comes in the form of the large military demonstration held in the capital city of Naypyidaw. This display is not made accessible to the general public, though select groups are able to attend. The demonstration features a marching parade of the military forces as well as displays of tanks, jets, helicopters and other assorted military hardware. Outside of the parade in the capital city, other smaller-scale celebrations include fireworks displays, live music and public gatherings, most of which take place in and around the former capital of Yangon.
Christmas Day
Christmas in New Caledonia is celebrated with a public holiday every 25 December, as it is in a majority of countries around the world. This Christian festivity commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is part of a 22-28 day season in the Christian calendar known as Advent. In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. Christmas Day and the Christmas season are a busy time of year in New Caledonia. This is one of the main tourist seasons on the island with many from Australia, New Zealand, and France coming here while the kids are out of school. About half in New Caledonia are Catholic and often go to mass all night on the day before Christmas. They seek to welcome Christmas morning while joyfully remembering the day that Christ was born. Many Protestants and Evangelicals in New Caledonia go to church on Christmas Day or the Sunday nearest to Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. The capital city of Noumea is lit up like a Christmas tree for the holidays each year. The city centre is the brightest spot, including Coconut Palm Square, the capital complex, and the Noumea Museum. Both palm trees and buildings are decked out with multi-coloured lights for the occasion.
Independence Day
Mauritania became an independent nation by on 28 November 1960 by declaration of its “Constituent Assembly”. Independence Day is celebrated on this date each year to remember this important historic event. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday 28 November. The holiday will be on Sunday 28 November in 2027. Although Berbers and other tribes had lived in the region for as long as anyone can remember, there was no “Mauritania” as such before the arrival of the French colonialists. They essentially created a new colony that incorporated the lands of numerous local tribes in the region into one “new country”. France colonised what is now Mauritania to block the expansion of Spanish Morocco and to create a “land bridge” between French Algeria and French West Africa. Their conquest of the area began at Adar and moved inland. After the French established a new constitution in 1958, they had hoped that Mauritania might remain within the “French Community” even if they opted for independence. But instead, the country fully left being under French influence by 1960. After independence, Morocco tried to oppose them or dominate them, but Mauritania successfully resisted.
Independence Day Holiday
Every July 26th, Maldives celebrates its complete independence. In 2026, Independence Day falls on Sunday 26 July. The holiday will be on Monday 26 July in 2027. This celebration highlights parades held by the National Security Services as well as the National Cadet Corps and other performances by colourfully dressed school children. Southwest of Sri Lanka and just north of the Equator is the country of Maldives, a conglomerate of islands under the same flag. Maldives, like many countries around the world, used to be held under the power of the British Empire. It wasn’t until 1887 that Maldives managed to become a British Protectorate. All this status did for Maldives was keep the British from interfering with their internal affairs. However, should Maldives want to do anything foreign, the British had to be consulted before action could be taken. In return for Maldives’s cooperation, the British promised to protect the country. Finally, on July 26th, 1965, Maldives was able to gain full independence. Independence for Maldives was significant because it enabled the country to seize control over its own economy and develop itself as it pleased. When the Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir signed the agreement for independence with the British, the population in Maldives was merely 97,743. Both Sri Lanka and India, nearby countries under the same colonial power, had managed to gain independence from Britain at the conclusion of the World War. Maldives was particularly moved to seek this independence after three southern atolls were claimed as part of a brief Suvadive Republic between 1959 and 1963. Within two months of being granted this independence, Maldives gained membership at the United Nations (September 21, 1965). The country’s flag was then raised at the headquarters on the 12th of October 12, 1965. If you were to visit Maldives in July, you would be promised a show on the 26th. Every year, the country celebrates its Independence Day with a series of festivities held in on the island of Male’. The entire country is very much connected through a series of ferries, and most events you can expect to encounter on Independence Day will be held at Republic Square in the heart of the Male’ Island. Here are a few things that are promised each year during these festivities at the Square: Although the country is not very large or populated, and although the island Male’ is even smaller, these festivities are a regular show come Independence Day in Maldives. You can bank on seeing a number of performances by the local youth as well as the parades led by a variety of groups. One of the favorite instruments of the Maldivians is a bulbul, an instrument that is similar to an accordion but which is held horizontally. There is also the Bodu Beru, or “Big Drum”, which has possible African roots. This is an interesting bit of culture as most of the Maldivian language and lifestyle seems to be derived from a North Indian origin. Exposure to this festive side of the culture in Maldives on Independence Day is a rapid way to learn what it’s like to be Maldivian. If you plan to be traveling in this corner of the world during the summer, stopping in Maldives to see the Independence Day festivals and parades at Republic Square will surely be a good use of your time!