Zanzibar Revolution Day in Tanzania

A public holiday under Tanzanian law

The Public Holidays Act includes Revolution Day on 12 January in its schedule of public holidays. It applies each year; the law does not limit the holiday to Zanzibar.[1]

The Act allows the President to declare an additional public holiday or substitute another day by proclamation. It also allows heads of government departments to open their offices and require employees to work on a public holiday. The Act does not specify that offices, banks, shops or transport services must all close, so check with the service you plan to use.[1]

The 1964 revolution and the Union

On 12 January 1964, a revolution overthrew the Sultan’s government in Zanzibar. In a speech, Tanzania’s president described the event as ending the Sultan’s rule and credited Abeid Amani Karume with leading the revolution.[2]

Karume and Tanganyika’s president, Julius Nyerere, later signed the documents uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The union established the country that became Tanzania, linking the anniversary to the history of the United Republic as well as Zanzibar.[2]

Commemorations in Zanzibar

Official commemorations have included ceremonies in Zanzibar. In a 2020 announcement, the President’s Office said the anniversary event would take place at Amaan Stadium. That announcement documents a ceremony at the stadium in that year; it does not establish that every year’s programme or venue is the same.[3]

Visitors should check local announcements for details of any event they hope to attend.[3]

What residents and visitors can expect

The holiday’s legal status may affect normal services, but the Public Holidays Act does not provide a list of closures. Government departments can be ordered to operate, and the law does not set opening hours for banks, shops or transport. Confirm arrangements directly with the office or provider before travelling.[1]