Independence Day in Saint Kitts And Nevis
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, Independence Day is a public holiday observed annually on September 19th. This holiday commemorates the country’s independence from the UK on this date in 1983. It is a national holiday in Saint Kitts and Nevis and is usually celebrated in conjunction with National Heroes’ Day, which is observed on the 16th of September.
During these events, a variety of different activities can take place, and it seems like each year’s celebration is different from the last. Common events that occur on these holidays include a military parade, an annual independence speech delivered by the Prime Minister, marching bands, and concerts.
The History of Independence Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis
When Christopher Columbus landed on the island at the end of the 15th century, he named it Saint Christopher, after his patron saint. During the 17th century, the islands were at the center of a dispute between Britain, France, and Spain. Britain would eventually take control of the island, and the territory was ceded to them in 1713 by the French.
Saint Kitts, Nevis, and the territory of Anguilla were then united as a British dependency in 1871. It would eventually become Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla and would join the West Indies Associated States in the 1960s.
Saint Kitts and Nevis attained independence on September 19th, 1983, within the British Commonwealth. Kennedy Simmonds became the country’s first prime minister. Not long after independence, Independence Day was established as a national holiday.
Observing Independence Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis
This holiday is always preceded by a concert if celebrations from Heroes’ Day are not still ongoing. In the capital city of Basseterre, the main celebrations for this holiday are held on Independence Day and include a parade, carnivals, calypso shows, and an abundance of music and food.