Cape Verde National Day: Independence Day
Cape Verde’s national day is officially commemorated as Independence Day on July 5, marking the country’s independence in 1975. The date represents national self-determination and is observed with state ceremonies, including a commemorative session of the National Assembly.[1][2]
A fixed date and national holiday
The National Assembly identifies July 5 as the national holiday for Independence Day. A law on special commemorative sessions provides for a public parliamentary ceremony on that date, with speeches by parliamentary party representatives, the Assembly’s president and the president of the republic.[1]
The government has separately granted time off around particular anniversaries. For the 50th anniversary, a 2025 resolution gave state employees, public-institute staff and local-authority employees the day off on July 4. That was a specific measure for the anniversary, rather than evidence of a routine substitute day whenever July 5 falls on a weekend.[3]
What the date means
Cape Verde became independent on July 5, 1975, after roughly five centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. The National Assembly describes independence as an affirmation of self-determination and the people’s right to govern their own future; it also connects the event with the development of a distinct national and cultural identity.[2]
The holiday commemorates the creation of an independent Cape Verdean state. It is also a moment for public reflection on the country’s political path since independence, including the transition from one-party rule to democracy and freedom, as discussed by the prime minister at an official anniversary ceremony.[4]
Official observances
Commemorations have included a solemn sitting of the National Assembly and a wreath-laying at the Amílcar Cabral memorial. An official government account of an anniversary programme also describes a thanksgiving mass and a military parade, alongside cultural events and activities involving civil society.[1][4]
Official programmes can be spread across places and communities. The government described anniversary activities as decentralized and culturally symbolic, while the 2025 parliamentary ceremony was scheduled in Praia. Celebrations have also involved Cape Verdean communities abroad, so the programme can extend beyond the islands.[3][4]
Planning around the holiday
July 5 is a national public holiday. The Central Bank’s official holiday calendar lists July 5 as Independence Day among banking holidays; travelers should check directly with banks and service providers for their schedules.[5]
A holiday programme may include public ceremonies and events in Praia, so visitors planning to attend should check official announcements for the relevant year. The historical programmes cited here describe particular anniversary events and should not be taken as a standing schedule.[4]
Frequently asked questions
When is Cape Verde National Day?
What does the holiday commemorate?
It marks Cape Verde’s independence and the country’s right to govern itself. The National Assembly describes independence as a defining moment for national identity and participation in the international community.[2]
Is it a public holiday and do workers get the day off?
Are banks and shops open?
The Central Bank includes July 5 in its banking-holiday calendar. Check opening hours with individual banks, shops or transport providers before you go.[5]
Is a Monday substitute day observed when July 5 falls on a weekend?
There is no automatic substitute day. In 2025, the government issued a specific resolution granting public employees July 4 off for the 50th-anniversary commemorations.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Day in Cape Verde:
- Lei n.º 4/IX/2016- Assembleia Nacional de Cabo Verde
- Sessão Solene da Assembleia Nacional, Comemorativa do LI Aniversário da Independência Nacional- Assembleia Nacional de Cabo Verde
- Resolução n.º 53/2025- Boletim Oficial da República de Cabo Verde
- 5 de Julho: Primeiro Ministro participa nas cerimónias oficiais do 48.º aniversário da Independência de Cabo verde- Governo de Cabo Verde
- Feriados Bancários- Banco de Cabo Verde