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On June 20, Eritrea celebrates Martyrs' Day, a national holiday that commemorates the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence. This day holds great significance in Eritrean history, as it honors the brave men and women who gave their lives for the nation's freedom. It is also a time to remember and honor all those who have lost their lives in defense of their country throughout its history. While it may be a somber occasion, it is also a day to celebrate the resilience and strength of the Eritrean people. So let's take a moment to pay tribute to these heroes and reflect on their bravery and selflessness.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1890</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eritrea's Colonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eritrea becomes a colony of Italy, marking the beginning of a long struggle for independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Federation with Ethiopia</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations decides to federate Eritrea to Ethiopia, denying the Eritrean people the right to self-determination.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Armed Struggle</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eritrea's armed struggle for independence from Ethiopia begins, with many Eritreans joining the fight for their country's liberty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Eritrea's Liberation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eritrean forces capture Asmara, effectively ending Ethiopian rule and paving the way for eventual independence of the nation.</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'>Recognition of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eritrea's independence is officially recognized following a referendum endorsed by the United Nations, with over 99% of the population voting in favor of independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Martyrs’ Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Eritrea establishes June 20th as Martyrs’ Day to honor and remember those who gave their lives for the nation's independence.</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'>Attend a commemoration ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Eritrea hold ceremonies to honor and remember the martyrs of the country. Attend one of these events to pay your respects and show your support for the nation.</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'>Visit a memorial site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to one of the many memorial sites in Eritrea, such as the National Martyrs' Cemetery in Asmara or the Massawa Martyrs' Cemetery. Spend some time reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives for the country's independence.</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'>Educate yourself on Eritrea's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Martyrs' Day is a time to remember and honor those who fought for Eritrea's independence. Take some time to learn about the country's history and the struggles that were faced during the fight for freedom.</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 local businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many small businesses in Eritrea may offer discounts or specials on Martyrs' Day. Show your support for these businesses by shopping at their stores or dining at their restaurants.</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'>Volunteer for a cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, consider volunteering for a cause that supports the Eritrean people. This could be working with a local charity or organization, or even participating in a community service project.</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'>It honors those who sacrificed their lives for independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs’ Day in Eritrea is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought and died for the country's independence. It is a day to honor their sacrifices and show gratitude for their dedication and bravery.</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'>It serves as a reminder of the country's history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs’ Day in Eritrea is an important occasion to reflect on the country's past struggles and triumphs. It serves as a reminder of the hardships that were overcome to achieve independence, and the progress that has been made since then.</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'>It brings people together in unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Martyrs’ Day is a national holiday in Eritrea, meaning that people from all walks of life come together to commemorate and honor the martyrs. It promotes a sense of unity and solidarity among the citizens, as they remember and celebrate their shared history and culture.</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'>Martyrs’ Day is a public holiday in Eritrea</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Eritrea, Martyrs' Day is a public holiday. This means businesses, schools and government offices are generally closed, giving everyone the opportunity to partake in commemorations and pay their respects.</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'>There is a Torch ceremony tradition on this day</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the key traditions of Martyrs’ Day is a torch ceremony. A symbolic fire is lit at the National Martyrs' Cemetery in Asmara, and torches are carried across the country. This is done to signify Eritrea's continuous journey towards development and prosperity.</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'>Eritrea's fight for independence lasted 30 years</h3><p class='facts-content'>The struggle for Eritrean independence spanned three decades, making it one of Africa's longest armed liberation struggles. Hundreds of thousands of Eritreans sacrificed their lives during this period, which Martyrs’ Day honors.</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 Martyrs’ Day logo signifies hope</h3><p class='facts-content'>The official logo for Martyrs' Day showcases a camel going through a desert with a star above it. This is said to symbolize the difficult journey taken by the Eritrean people towards freedom, with the star symbolizing the hopeful destination of prosperity and freedom.</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'>The Martyrs’ Day monument in Asmara is an architectural marvel</h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Martyrs' Cemetery in Asmara is home to a fascinating monument made of 60,000 glass bottles lit from the inside. The number of bottles represent the estimated number of Eritrean martyrs, and the perpetual light symbolizes their eternal life in the hearts of the Eritrean people.</p></div></div>
Martyrs' Day in Eritrea is celebrated on June 20 every year. In 2024 Martyrs' Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Jun 20
Tuesday
2024
Jun 20
Thursday
2025
Jun 20
Friday
2026
Jun 20
Saturday
2027
Jun 20
Sunday
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