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Mark your calendars for August 7th, because it's time to celebrate Côte d'Ivoire Independence Day! This national holiday marks the day in 1960 when this beautiful country gained its independence from France. The name "Côte d'Ivoire" translates to "Ivory Coast", and is named after the valuable ivory trade that once thrived in the region. Today, this vibrant West African nation is known for its diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes. So let's raise a toast to Côte d'Ivoire on their special day and all the amazing things this country has to offer!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1893</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Côte d’Ivoire officially became a French Colony, marking the start of over half a century of French colonial rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of African Democratic Party</div><div class='timeline-text'>The African Democratic Party (PDA) was formed; it became instrumental in the independence movement against French rule.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Côte d'Ivoire Becomes Republic</div><div class='timeline-text'>As part of a series of reforms, France allowed Côte d'Ivoire to become a republic within the French Community, granting it more autonomy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Côte d'Ivoire officially gained its independence from France on August 7th, led by the country's first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Death of First President</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who led the country since independence, passed away. His death marked the end of an era and led to a period of political instability.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Political Crisis</div><div class='timeline-text'>After a decade of political crisis and a brief civil war, Alassane Ouattara was recognized as the winner of the presidential elections, marking a new phase in the nation's history.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional Ivorian feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to celebrate Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day with a traditional feast featuring Ivorian dishes such as foutou banane, kedjenou, and attiéké. This is a great way to experience the culture and cuisine of Côte d’Ivoire.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities around the world hold cultural festivals to celebrate Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day. Attend one of these events to experience traditional music, dance, and food from Côte d’Ivoire.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Ivorian history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning about the history and culture of Côte d’Ivoire by visiting museums, reading books, or watching documentaries. This is a great way to deepen your understanding and appreciation for this important holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Ivorian businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day by supporting Ivorian businesses. Whether it’s purchasing products made in Côte d’Ivoire or dining at an Ivorian restaurant, your support will help promote and celebrate the country’s independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a film or documentary about Côte d’Ivoire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch a film or documentary about Côte d’Ivoire. This is a great way to learn more about the country and its culture while also celebrating its independence.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating national pride and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day is a day where people come together to celebrate their country's culture and history. It's a time for citizens to show their pride in their nation and remember the struggles and sacrifices that were made for their independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reflecting on progress and growth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is also an opportunity for citizens to reflect on how far Côte d’Ivoire has come since gaining its independence. It's a time to acknowledge and celebrate the country's progress and achievements, both politically and economically.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promoting unity and solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day brings people from all different backgrounds and beliefs together to celebrate as one nation. It promotes unity among citizens and reminds them of the common values they share, fostering a sense of solidarity within the country.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The name "Yamoussoukro" has a historical origin</h3><p class='facts-content'>Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire since 1983, was named after Queen Yamoussou, mother of the founder. The word "Kro" means town in Baoulé.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Côte d’Ivoire is the largest producer of cocoa beans</h3><p class='facts-content'>Côte d'Ivoire produces more than one-third of the world's cocoa supply. Chocolate lovers can owe their sweet treats to Ivorian farmers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Didier Drogba, a global football icon, originates from Côte d’Ivoire</h3><p class='facts-content'>Didier Drogba, prominently known for his time at Chelsea FC, is an Ivorian. His peace-building efforts helped end the civil war, showing the power of sports in peace and unity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace is the world's largest church</h3><p class='facts-content'>Located in Yamoussoukro, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace holds the Guinness World Record as the largest "church" in the world, even surpassing St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Côte d'Ivoire has a diverse range of ethnic groups</h3><p class='facts-content'>Côte d'Ivoire is rich culturally and ethnically with more than 60 ethnic groups residing in the country. Each of these groups has its own languages, customs, and traditions, making it a fascinating melting pot of cultures.</p></div></div>
Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day is celebrated on August 7 every year. In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire Independence Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Aug 7
Monday
2024
Aug 7
Wednesday
2025
Aug 7
Thursday
2026
Aug 7
Friday
2027
Aug 7
Saturday
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