Revolution Day in Yemen
Revolution Day is a public holiday observed annually in Yemen on the 26th of September. Also known as September Revolution Day, this holiday commemorates the overthrow of Imam Muhammad al-Badr on September 26, 1962. This event led to the founding of the Yemen Arab Republic.
Yemen (Public holiday)Since this holiday is a public holiday, it is a day off for the general population, and schools, government offices, and businesses are closed. The holiday is celebrated with torch-lighting ceremonies, parades, and a day-long festival. It is also a day when people visit their friends and loved ones to enjoy communal meals and engage in other events.
The History of Revolution Day in Yemen
Because of Yemen’s location, it served as an important strategic location between Asia and North Africa. That is why it has been captured and occupied by many different empires over the years. It eventually became a part of the Ottoman Empire and remained so until the Empire collapsed in 1918.
In 1918, Yahya Muhammad declared northern Yemen an independent sovereign state and would proclaim in 1926 the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen. He ruled Yemen until his death in 1948 and was succeeded by Ahmad bin Yahya.
When Ahmad died on September 19, 1962, his son Muhammad al-Badr was proclaimed king and Imam of the country. On September 26, 1962, the military staged a coup that overthrew the monarch and deposed al-Badr. The commander of the royal guard, Abdullah as-Sallal, declared himself the president of the Yemen Arab Republic.
Observing Revolution Day in Yemen
This holiday is observed as a public and national holiday in Yemen. As such, it is celebrated with a large number of different events. There are parades, festivals, and cultural presentations held on this day. There are also communal meals and the lighting of the torch at Al-Tahrir Square in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen.
Yemen (Public holiday)
