Mwalimu Nyerere Day
Mwalimu Nyerere Day is a public holiday that’s observed annually on the 14th of October in Tanzania. It’s a public holiday that commemorates the death of Julius Nyerere, the first president of the country, the number one leader of its independence movement, and the person many people believe is the “father of the country.”
Tanzania (Public holiday) This is a day on which special events and exhibitions are held so that people can remember and honor his life. It’s also a day off for the general public and a day on which government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
The History Of Mwalimu Nyerere Day
Julius Nyerere was born in March of 1922 and worked as a teacher. He then founded and became a member of the Tanganyika African National Union or TANU. He would then use this organization in the struggle for independence for the people of Tanganyika from Great Britain.
When independence was achieved, he would then move on to become the first Prime Minister of Tanganyika from 1961-1962. From 1963 to 1964, he would then serve as the country’s first President. And when Tanzania was formed by joining Tanganyika and Zanzibar, he would become President of the new country from 1964 to 1985. Nyerere was given the honorific title Mwalimu, which means “teacher” in Swahili.
Observing Mwalimu Nyerere Day
This holiday is observed across Tanzania with special events, but the main events are held in the capital city of Dodoma. There are exhibitions, ceremonies, and other events that highlight the importance of this figure to Tanzanian history.
In 2014, the March for Elephants was also held on this day to raise attention to call for an end to the international trade in ivory and rhino horn. Sometimes, other events and protests are also held on this day — a day that just so happens to also be a public holiday.
Tanzania (Public holiday) 
