Youth Day is a public holiday in Cameroon, and it is observed on February 11 each year. The holiday honors the contributions of the country's young people. Parades will be held in many cities and towns, and many children and youth will participate in the parades.
The celebration was chosen on February 11 to commemorate the British Cameroon referendum on February 11, 1961. Cameroon became a German protectorate in 1884 with the name of New Cameroon. During World War I, the British and French troops occupied New Cameroon. The French mandate was known as French Cameroon, and the British mandate was known as British Cameroon, which was divided Northern Cameroon and Southern Cameroon.
In January 1960, the French Cameroons gained their independence as the Republic of Cameroon, and its neighbor Nigeria also planned for independence. The referendum intended to determine British Cameroon, a territory between the two countries, should join Cameroon or Nigeria.
60% of voters from Muslim-majority Northern Cameroon favored joining Nigeria, while 70% of Christian-majority Southern Cameroon favored joining Cameroon. As a result, Northern Cameroon became part of Nigeria, and Southern Cameroon joined the Republic of Cameroon.
The following is the list of Youth Day in Cameroon from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Day | Feb 11, 2022 | Friday |
| Youth Day | Feb 11, 2023 | Saturday |
| Youth Day | Feb 11, 2024 | Sunday |
| Youth Day | Feb 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Youth Day | Feb 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
Please check more public holidays in Cameroon:
