Republic Day in Tanzania
Republic Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 9th of December in Tanzania. This holiday is sometimes referred to as Independence Day among the local population, and it commemorates the day in 1961 when Tanganyika declared its independence from Britain.
Tanzania (Public holiday)The following year, in December of 1962, the former British colony would officially become a republic. It’s a day that’s often marked with people raising the national flag, with political speeches, and with parades. It’s a time for every person in Tanzania to celebrate the fact that their own destiny is in their hands.
The History of Republic Day in Tanzania
In 1498, Tanzania received its first European visitor: Vasco da Gama. A couple of hundred years later, European colonialism began to rise significantly in Tanzania when Germany formed German East Africa during the 19th century. The Germans remained in control of this area until after WWI, when it came under British control.
Under British control, the area was ruled as Tanganyika. The British retained control of the area for the next few decades, but the political atmosphere in the country began to change. In 1954, the Tanganyika African National Union was founded, and its main objective was Tanganyikan sovereignty.
On December 9, 1961, British rule ended, and Julius Nyerere became the first prime minister. A year later, Tanganyika would become a democratic republic. In 1963, there was a revolution in Zanzibar, and Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged on April 26, 1964. The country would then be renamed Tanzania in October of 1964.
Observing Republic Day in Tanzania
This holiday is observed much like many Independence Day celebrations held by other countries. People can expect the Tanzanian flag to be prominently displayed in public places, and to see plenty of parades and other events. Of course, there are also political speeches and speeches that reinforce the idea of Tanzanian independence.
On social media, sometimes the hashtag #RepublicDayTanzania is used to spread the word about this holiday as well. It’s also a holiday to enjoy many different Tanzanian dishes such as Ugali, Mchicha, Mandazi, or Mchuzi wa Samaki.
Tanzania (Public holiday)
