Burundi Independence Day
It is an official public holiday in the country, but is currently not celebrated so much due to conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi populations there. It was on this day in 1962 that the Belgian colonisers left the country for independent rule.
Rwanda Independence Day
Rwanda, like Burundi, marks the day in 1962 when the Belgian colonisers left the country for independent rule. Belgium took over after the First World War, the control of German East Africa was ceded to Belgium under the Treaty of Versailes in 1919. This day is not celebrated with no official ceremonies taking place.
Somalia Independence Day
This date celebrates the unification of the Trust Territory of Somaliland and the State of Somaliland into the Somali Republic on 1st July 1960.
British Virgin Islands Independence Day
The holiday originated in 1956 when the federation was dissolved and the Colony of the Virgin Islands came into existence. The holiday was then known as Colony Day. In 1978 the Public Holiday Act was amended replacing Colony Day with Territory Day, and then in 2020 Territory Day was replaced by Virgin Islands Day to reflect a renewed sense of national consciousness.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
The holiday celebrates the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of Chia and the establishment of the Hong Kong Administrative Region. The day is normally marked by officially organised extravagant fireworks displays in the evening.
Madeira Day
This holiday marks the date when Portugese explorers arrived in Machico’s bay in 1419 and Portugal granted autonomy to Madeira in 1976. It is a public holiday in the Autonomous Region.
Holidays & Special Events 