National Heroes Day

On January 20th, Cape Verde celebrates Heroes Day, which is a national holiday. It remembers Amlcar Cabral's assassination in 1973, when he was a hero for battling western colonialism and exploitation.

In 1924, Amlcar Lopes Cabral was born in Portuguese Guinea. He was educated in Cape Verde and Lisbon, where he developed his political beliefs on colonialism and rose to prominence in the West African independence struggle. Cabral founded the African Party for Guinea and Cape Verde Independence in 1956. (PAIGC). Initially, the PAIGC advocated for independence via peaceful methods. The PAIGC began the struggle of independence in 1963, after becoming disillusioned with Portugal's use of force to crush local demonstrations.

The 20th of January is their National Heroes Day since it comes on the anniversary of Cabral's death, and while the day is meant to honor all national heroes, choosing this date is an appropriate approach to honor the life of such a significant figure.

Date: January 20th