National Heroes' Day is a public holiday in Rwanda, observed on February 1 each year. The holiday is to remember those heroes who lost their lives or made outstanding achievements for the country.
There are different levels of heroes in Rwanda, and they are grouped into three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.
- The Imanzi category includes those supreme heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, and it is the highest order. Major-General Fred Rwigema and many soldiers who lost lives in the liberation are in this category;
- The Imena category includes those heroes with extraordinary acts, including King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and Nyange SSS students who were killed when they refused to separate themselves along ethnic lines;
- The Ingenzi category includes those heroes who are still alive and are known for their outstanding achievements.
The following is the list of National Heroes' Day in Rwanda from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| National Heroes Day | Feb 01, 2022 | Tuesday |
| National Heroes Day | Feb 01, 2023 | Wednesday |
| National Heroes Day | Feb 01, 2024 | Thursday |
| National Heroes Day | Feb 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| National Heroes Day | Feb 01, 2026 | Sunday |
Please check more public holidays in Rwanda: