Revolution Day in Algeria
Algeria marks Revolution Day on November 1, the date of the 1954 uprising that began the war of independence. The date is a paid legal holiday for workers across public administration and businesses, and official commemorations honor the liberation struggle and its martyrs.[1][2]
A legal holiday on November 1
Algeria’s Law No. 63-278 of July 26, 1963 established the list of legal holidays. The Ministry of Labour lists November 1 as Revolution Day, a one-day holiday during which work is suspended and paid.[1]
The ministry says the holiday applies to public administrations, public offices, delegated services, local authorities and businesses, including workers paid by the hour or day. The law does not specify a substitute day when November 1 falls on a weekly rest day, so check official notices for any year-specific arrangements.[1]
The uprising that began the liberation war
In the early hours of November 1, 1954, the National Liberation Front (FLN) began an uprising with attacks on French military and gendarmerie posts across Algeria. The date came to mark the beginning of the Algerian war of independence.[2]
The FLN’s goal was national independence. Algeria became independent in 1962 after a referendum, following years of conflict and negotiations with France.[2] Revolution Day recalls the opening of that struggle and the national history associated with it.[2]
Official commemorations
Official observances have included ceremonies in Algiers. On the anniversary, the president has paid tribute to the martyrs of the National Liberation War at the Martyrs’ Sanctuary, also known as the Martyrs’ Memorial.[3]
A separate commemoration ceremony has been held at the Palace of the People in Algiers. These reports document official events in the capital; they do not establish one set of customs followed by every family or region.[4]
What to expect as a visitor
Because the holiday is a paid rest day for the public services and businesses listed by the Ministry of Labour, routine services in those sectors may be closed or limited. The ministry’s guidance does not give specific opening hours for banks, shops, schools or transport, so check with individual providers before making plans.[1]
The ministry’s legal-holiday guidance does not set out a general substitute-day rule for November 1. The site calendar lists no substitute or observed day; consult local official notices for any service arrangements around the date.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Revolution Day in Algeria?
It is observed every year on November 1, marking the date the 1954 uprising began.[1][2]
Is Revolution Day a paid day off?
Yes. The Ministry of Labour lists it as a one-day paid legal holiday for public administrations, public offices, delegated services, local authorities and businesses, including hourly and daily paid workers.[1]
What is usually open?
The ministry says work is suspended in the listed sectors, but does not give specific opening hours for shops, banks or transport. Check with the relevant provider before travelling or visiting.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Revolution Day in Algeria:
- Labour Legislation- Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security
- Case Studies in Insurgency and Revolutionary Warfare: Algeria 1954–1962- U.S. Government Publishing Office
- President of the Republic pays tribute to memory of Revolution’s martyrs- Algérie Presse Service
- President of the Republic arrives at Palace of People- Algérie Presse Service