Victory Day in Mozambique
Victory Day is a holiday observed in Mozambique on the 7th of September each year. In Mozambique, it is known as “Dia da Vitória” and also as Lusaka Peace Agreement Day. This holiday commemorates the end of the Mozambican War of Independence, which occurred on September 7th, 1974.
Mozambique (Public holiday)The end of this war concluded with the signing of the Lusaka Peace Agreement. It is a holiday on which there is an official wreath-laying ceremony, as well as a speech by the president of Mozambique encouraging citizens to remember the day and to work hard at making the nation all it can be.
The History of Victory Day in Mozambique
Europeans first visited Mozambique during the 15th century, and by 1530, the country had been colonized by Portugal. The country would remain under Portugal’s control for hundreds of years, but the local inhabitants’ sentiment towards Portugal began to decline. In 1964, there was growing unrest in the country, as well as in other Portuguese colonies.
As unrest rose, so did an armed guerrilla campaign against the Portuguese. This would escalate into the Portuguese Colonial War. Out of this war grew the Mozambican Independence Movement, although the conflict failed to get Portugal out of the country.
In April of 1974, there was a revolution in Portugal, and the country began to change its attitude towards its colonies. On September 7th, 1974, the Lusaka Accord was signed between Mozambique and Portugal. This agreement ended the war and started Mozambique on its road towards independence.
Observing Victory Day in Mozambique
This holiday is celebrated with a wreath-laying ceremony, as well as parades and speeches by politicians and civic leaders. It is also a day when people enjoy traditional Mozambican foods such as Xima, Piri-Piri, Mucapata, or Green Mango Achar. It is also a day off for the general population, and a day when many businesses and government offices are closed for the day.
Mozambique (Public holiday)
