Rwagasore Day in Burundi
Rwagasore Day is held on 13 October to remember Prince Louis Rwagasore, Burundi’s independence hero, who was assassinated on that date in 1961. Burundi lists the commemoration as a public holiday, linking the date to the country’s struggle for independence.[1][2][3]
A holiday rooted in Burundi’s history
The date marks the assassination of Prince Louis Rwagasore, whom Burundi’s tourism authority identifies as a national hero. Burundi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs records his death on 13 October 1961 and the country’s independence on 1 July 1962. The Presidency describes Rwagasore’s role in the independence struggle and ambition for a united country.[2][3][4]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 13 October as the commemoration of Rwagasore’s assassination. The 2021 presidential decree names the date among Burundi’s public holidays that are non-working and paid.[1][2]
How the day is observed
Commemorations in Burundi have included a requiem Mass at Regina Mundi Cathedral in Bujumbura, followed by reflection and flower-laying at Rwagasore’s mausoleum on Vugizo hill. In one ceremony, participants also heard about his life, his role in the independence movement and a speech he gave after his party’s 1961 election victory. Programmes may vary; these are examples from reported national ceremonies, not a fixed annual schedule.[4]
Official reporting describes a requiem Mass and flowers laid at the mausoleum. Observances have combined religious remembrance with civic tributes to patriotism, national unity and reconciliation.[5]
Public holiday rules and practical plans
Under the 2021 decree, a holiday on the statutory list must not reduce daily, weekly or monthly wages. Hourly, daily and piece-rate workers are entitled to the pay they would normally have earned; workers employed on a holiday receive that pay plus compensation for the work, including the recognized overtime increase. The decree allows a holiday that falls on Sunday to be moved to the next working day when authorities consider observing it on Sunday inappropriate.[1]
The holiday is classified as non-working and paid, but the decree does not specify opening hours for every bank, shop or transport service. Travelers should check with individual providers before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Rwagasore Day?
Is Rwagasore Day a day off?
Yes. The 2021 presidential decree includes it among Burundi’s public holidays that are non-working and paid. The decree also sets pay protections for workers and compensation rules for those who work on a holiday.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport services open?
The decree does not specify opening hours for individual businesses or transport operators. Check directly with the service you plan to use.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Rwagasore Day in Burundi:
- DECRET NO 100/150 DU 07 JUIN 2021 PORTANT MODIFICATION DU DECRET NO 100/182 DU 17 JUILLET 2006 FIXANT LA LISTE ET LE REGIME DES JOURS FERIES- Presidency of the Republic of Burundi
- Official Holidays- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
- History and Culture- Burundi National Tourism Office
- Les Burundais commémorent le 62 ème anniversaire de l’assassinat du Prince Louis Rwagasore- Presidency of the Republic of Burundi
- « La mort du Prince Louis Rwagasore n’aura pas été vaine si notre génération sauvegarde précieusement son héritage »- Presidency of the Republic of Burundi