Heroes' Day in Cape Verde

A national holiday with a formal place in public life

Cape Verdean law names January 20 as the Day of Nationality and National Heroes and classifies it as one of the country’s national holidays. The same law identifies January 20 as an emblematic commemorative date for special solemn sessions, and allows other organizations to hold commemorations.[1]

Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go; check with businesses, banks and transport providers before making plans.[1]

Remembering Amílcar Cabral and the independence struggle

Cape Verde’s government describes January 20 as both National Heroes’ Day and the date of Amílcar Cabral’s death. It presents Cabral as a leading figure in Cape Verdean nationality and connects the commemoration to those who defended independence, peace and democracy.[2][3]

The date is also used to recognize national heroes beyond Cabral. In a past government appeal, the prime minister encouraged the public and political parties to take part in commemorations and described January 20 as a day of national identity and remembrance.[2]

Examples of commemorations

Past events show educational and cultural ways the day has been marked. A 2014 Ministry of Education initiative held activities in secondary schools, including exhibitions, writing, drawings, dramatizations and poetry about Cabral and other national heroes. These are documented examples from that year, not a guaranteed annual programme.[3]

A government report from Assomada records a 2010 school commemoration with a roundtable on Cabral’s ideas, cultural activities and an exhibition. The Presidency has also described a Republic Week initiative that included events in municipalities and embassies, with activities intended to encourage young people to learn about the dates’ historical meaning.[4][5]

What visitors should know

January 20 is a fixed-date national holiday commemorating national heroes in Cape Verde, so its weekday changes from year to year.[1][3]