Martyrs’ Day in São Tomé and Príncipe
Martyrs’ Day, named the Day of the Martyrs of Liberty in São Tomé and Príncipe’s Labour Code, is a national public holiday on February 3.[1] It remembers the Batepá massacre of 1953 and the workers killed during colonial repression, with Fernão Dias a focal point of remembrance.[2]
A national holiday with a fixed date
The Labour Code lists February 3 as the Day of the Martyrs of Liberty and classifies it as a mandatory national holiday. The date is February 3 each year; the Code says that when a mandatory holiday falls on Saturday it moves to the preceding Friday, and when it falls on Sunday it moves to the following Monday.[1]
The Code also guarantees workers pay corresponding to national holidays. This establishes a paid holiday entitlement, though it does not tell visitors whether a particular shop, bank, public office or transport service will open or follow a reduced schedule.[1]
Remembering the Batepá massacre
The holiday recalls the violence of February 3, 1953, when hundreds of São Toméan workers were killed in a military offensive led by Portuguese Governor Carlos Gorgulho. The country’s tourism authority says the workers had refused to work on cocoa and coffee plantations and public works projects; many died at Fernão Dias Beach, where a pier was being built.[2]
The Batepá massacre became bound up with the country’s struggle for independence. The tourism authority says it strengthened the determination to achieve independence and drew international attention to oppression in the Portuguese colony.[2]
Commemoration and practical planning
Fernão Dias is identified by the tourism authority as a place of commemoration, and it reports that survivors of the massacre visit there each year. A 2020 report from the National Assembly describes one central commemoration attended by the president, prime minister, government members, diplomats, religious representatives and many young people, who marched from Independence Square.[2][3]
For residents, the statutory paid holiday may mean a day away from work. Check directly with the office, bank, shop or transport service you plan to use, especially if you need an appointment or a scheduled journey.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Martyrs’ Day?
It is marked on February 3. Under the Labour Code, a Saturday holiday moves to the preceding Friday, while a Sunday holiday moves to the following Monday.[1]
Is Martyrs’ Day a day off?
It is a mandatory national holiday, and the Labour Code guarantees workers pay corresponding to national holidays.[1]
What is remembered on the holiday?
The day commemorates the 1953 Batepá massacre, in which hundreds of São Toméan workers were killed during colonial repression.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Martyrs' Day in São Tomé & Príncipe:
- Lei n.º 6/2019 — Aprova o Código do Trabalho (Diário da República, I Série, n.º 22)- Assembleia Nacional da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
- Holidays- São Tomé and Príncipe Tourism
- 3 de Fevereiro 2020- Assembleia Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe