Youth National Day

Every year on November 12th, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste celebrates National Youth Day. On this day in 1991, hundreds of young people were slaughtered in the Santa Cruz Massacre. Following its declaration of independence from Portugal in 1975, the country's newfound autonomy was short-lived because Indonesia seized the country. This triggered the start of the independence struggle, which would endure until 1999.

Thousands of young people attended the burial of Sebastio Gomes, an East Timor independence activist who was slain by the Indonesian army on November 12th, 1991. They marched to the Santa Cruz cemetery after attending Mass at the Church in Motael, Dili. Their nonviolent march was accompanied by singing and flag-waving, all of which expressed their strong desire for justice and freedom.

Two American journalists and a British television presenter sneaked film of the Santa Cruz massacre out of the country, making it a watershed moment in Timor-battle Leste's for independence. It was eventually shown on British television, causing widespread uproar throughout the world. A Mass at the Motael Church, a parade between the church and the cemetery, and a Commemoration Service in the cemetery are among the events planned for the day. After dusk, people burn candles to remember those who perished in the tragedy. Other cultural and sports activities are spread out across several days.