Independence Day

Independence Day commemorates July 5, 1975, when Cabo Verde’s National Assembly proclaimed the archipelago an independent state and Portuguese sovereignty and administration were transferred to the constituent assembly. The transition followed the April 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal and a December 1974 agreement between Portugal and the PAIGC. Aristides Pereira became president and Pedro Pires led the first government as prime minister.

The longer history includes Portuguese settlement beginning in the fifteenth century, Cabo Verde’s role in Atlantic slavery, colonial rule, recurrent drought and emigration, and the twentieth-century independence movement associated with Amílcar Cabral and the PAIGC. Armed struggle was concentrated in Guinea-Bissau rather than on Cabo Verde’s islands. Recognising that distinction avoids compressing different experiences into one simple military narrative and leaves room for multiple memories of decolonisation.

Law 106/VIII/2016 makes July 5 a national commemorative holiday with a special solemn session of parliament. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, and Banco de Cabo Verde lists it on that date; the available official rules do not establish an automatic Monday substitute. State ceremonies, flags, concerts, sport and diaspora events may mark the anniversary. Essential services and some tourism businesses remain active, while public institutions follow the national closure. The day is legally and historically separate from January 20’s commemoration of nationality and national heroes.