Independence Day (Cape Verde)

Independence Day is a public holiday in Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde), observed on July 5 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of Cape Verde's independence from Portugal in 1975.

Cape Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago and island country in the central Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese explorers first found the archipelago in the 15th century.

In the following centuries, the economy became prosperous due to the slave trade. However, the economy declined following the abolition of slavery in the 19th century. African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was founded in 1956 with the aim of a peaceful campaign for independence; however, it turned to armed conflict in the 1960s.

In January 1963, the guerrillas from the PAIGC attacked the Portuguese garrison, which marked the beginning of the Independent War. The Guinea-Bissau War of Independence lasted over 11 years. On September 24, 1973, the PAIGC unilaterally proclaimed the independence of Guinea-Bissau and gained full independence on September 10, 1974.

The PAIGC became active in Cape Verde after Guinea-Bissau gained its independence in 1974 and formed the transitional government of Cape Verde. On July 5, 1975, Cape Verde declared independence from Portugal.

The following is the list of Independence Day in Cape Verde from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Cape Verde: