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Get ready to celebrate Namibia Independence Day on March 21 as the country marks its 31st year of independence! This day commemorates the country's freedom from South African rule in 1990 and is a time for reflection, celebration, and national pride. Namibia is known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and resilient people who fought for their independence. From traditional dances to delicious cuisine, there are many ways to honor this special day and learn more about this beautiful country. So let's join in on the festivities and celebrate all that makes Namibia unique and independent!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1884</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>German Colonization Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Namibia becomes a German colony known as German South-West Africa.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1915</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>South African Rule</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following World War I, South Africa takes over Namibia under a League of Nations mandate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>War of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Namibian War of Independence begins, led by the SWAPO (South West African People's Organisation).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Withdraws Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>United Nations withdraws recognition of South Africa's mandate to govern Namibia, citing non-compliance with the terms of the mandate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Namibia Gains Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>After decades of warfare and political negotiations, Namibia formally gains its independence from South African rule on March 21, 1990.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Namibians celebrate Independence Day every year with various events such as parades, cultural performances, and speeches by key political figures.</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 parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in Namibia host parades to celebrate Independence Day. Join in the festivities by attending a parade and cheering on the participants as they march by.</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'>Prepare a traditional Namibian meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn about Namibian cuisine and prepare a traditional meal to share with friends and family. Dishes like potjiekos, kapana, and oshifima are popular choices for Independence Day celebrations.</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'>Watch a cultural performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Experience the rich cultural heritage of Namibia by attending a traditional dance or music performance. Many communities hold special events on Independence Day to showcase their cultural traditions.</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'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to one of Namibia's historical sites, such as the Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek or the Heroes' Acre monument. These sites are important symbols of Namibia's journey to 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'>Wear Namibian colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your pride for Namibia by dressing in the colors of the Namibian flag - blue, red, green, and white. You can also decorate your home or workplace with Namibian flags and other patriotic decorations.</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 freedom and independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Namibia Independence Day marks the country's declaration of independence from South Africa on March 21st, 1990. This day is a symbol of the nation's struggles and triumphs in gaining their freedom and self-governance.</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'>Honoring Namibian culture and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is an important time for Namibians to reflect on their rich cultural heritage and celebrate their customs, traditions, and diversity. It's also an opportunity to showcase these aspects to the rest of the world.</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'>Looking towards a bright future</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is not only a time to remember the past, but also to look towards the future with hope and optimism. It's a chance to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and unite as a nation to continue striving for progress and prosperity for all.</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 first President was inaugurated on Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first President of Namibia on Independence Day, March 21, 1990 and served for three consecutive terms until 2005.</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'>Namibia was the last African country to gain independence in the 20th Century</h3><p class='facts-content'>Namibia's struggle for freedom was long and arduous, making it the last African nation to achieve independence in the 20th century.</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'>United Nations played a crucial role in Namibia's independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) played an instrumental role in supervising Namibia's peaceful transition to independence and ensuring fair elections were held.</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'>Namibian independence contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa</h3><p class='facts-content'>Namibia's fight for freedom and subsequent independence in 1990 put increased international pressure on South Africa, contributing to the end of apartheid just four years later.</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'>Independence Day is a Public Holiday in Namibia</h3><p class='facts-content'>On March 21, the everyday hustle and bustle comes to a standstill as businesses and schools close, allowing everyone to participate in and enjoy the independence celebrations.</p></div></div>
Namibia Independence Day is celebrated on March 21 every year. In 2024 Namibia Independence Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Mar 21
Tuesday
2024
Mar 21
Thursday
2025
Mar 21
Friday
2026
Mar 21
Saturday
2027
Mar 21
Sunday
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