Emancipation Day is a national public holiday celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and honors the struggles, resilience, and cultural heritage of people of African descent.

When is Emancipation Day?

Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated on August 1 each year.

The following is the list of Emancipation Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Emancipation Day?

During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Trinidad and Tobago (under Spanish, then British rule) became heavily involved in the plantation economy, which depended on the forced labor of enslaved Africans.

In 1833, the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act.

On August 1, 1834, Slavery was officially abolished, but former slaves were forced into a 4-year "apprenticeship" system.

On August 1, 1838, full emancipation was granted—ending over 200 years of slavery in Trinidad and Tobago.

For many years, August 1st was unofficially recognized by Afro-Trinidadian communities.

In 1985, under the leadership of Prime Minister George Chambers, the government declared August 1 as Emancipation Day, a national holiday, and replaced "Discovery Day", which had commemorated Columbus's arrival.