Martyrs' Day in Togo is to honors all those who died fighting for Togo's independence and democratic freedom, both during the colonial era and in the years following independence.

When is Martyrs' Day?

Martyrs' Day is celebrated on June 21 each year.

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

The History of Martyrs' Day?

On June 21, 1957, during a United Nations mission to Togo, residents in the town of Pya-Hodo (near Kara) organized a peaceful demonstration demanding freedom from French colonial rule.

As the crowd gathered to express their support for independence, French colonial troops opened fire, killing around 20 civilians and injuring many more. This tragic event shocked the nation and the world, drawing attention to the urgency of decolonization in Togo.

The massacre became a powerful symbol of the sacrifices Togolese people made for independence. Three years later, on April 27, 1960, Togo officially gained independence from France.

Sylvanus Olympio, a central figure in the independence movement, became the first President of Togo in 1961.

Though June 21 was remembered locally for years, Martyrs' Day became an official national holiday in 2021, giving it formal recognition across the country.