Martyr’s Day in São Tomé and Príncipe is a national holiday to honour and reflect on the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought for independence. It is also an opportunity for the people of São Tomé and Príncipe to come together, celebrate the achievements of their nation, and recognise the ongoing efforts to build a better future for the country and its people.
The date marks the 1953 day when a group of anti-colonial activists, led by Amílcar Cabral, was arrested and executed by the Portuguese authorities, which was a turning point in the struggle for independence and inspired a widespread resistance movement that eventually led to the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.