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On July 4, Rwanda celebrates its Liberation Day, a day that marks the end of the 1994 genocide and the beginning of a new era for the country. This holiday is not only a time to remember and honor those who lost their lives during this tragic event, but also to celebrate how far Rwanda has come in terms of progress and development. It's a day filled with pride, hope, and unity as Rwandans come together to commemorate their shared history and look towards a brighter future. Let's take a moment to learn more about this significant holiday and join in on the celebrations!
<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'>Start of Rwandan Civil War</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rwandan Civil War begins when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a rebel group, launches an attack from Uganda into northern Rwanda.</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'>Arusha Accords Signed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Rwandan government and RPF sign the Arusha Accords aiming for a power-sharing agreement, but it fails to bring peace.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Rwandan Genocide</div><div class='timeline-text'>After the assassination of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, intense ethnic violence ensues, marking the start of the Rwandan Genocide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Genocide</div><div class='timeline-text'>The genocide ends when the RPF takes over Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and declares a ceasefire, marking a new start for Rwanda.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Paul Kagame Presidency</div><div class='timeline-text'>Paul Kagame, the former leader of the RPF, becomes President of Rwanda, guiding the country through a period of rapid development and recovery.</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'>Liberation Day Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year on July 4, Rwandans celebrate Liberation Day to commemorate this important period of their 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'>Attend a concert or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Rwanda hold concerts and festivals on Liberation Day to celebrate the country's freedom. Check out local event listings and attend a concert or festival to celebrate with others.</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 some time to visit one of Rwanda's many memorial sites to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the country's struggle for liberation. This can be a meaningful way to honor the day and reflect on its significance.</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'>Attend a parade or march</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many parades and marches are held on Rwanda Liberation Day, showcasing the country's progress and unity. Join in on the festivities and show your support for Rwanda's liberation.</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'>Try traditional Rwandan cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Rwanda Liberation Day by trying out some traditional Rwandan dishes. You can either visit a local Rwandan restaurant or try cooking a dish at home using a recipe from Rwanda.</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 or donate to a charitable organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In the spirit of giving back, consider volunteering your time or making a donation to a charitable organization in Rwanda. This is a great way to make a positive impact and honor the country's liberation. </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 celebrates Rwanda's independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rwanda Liberation Day commemorates the day when the rebel Rwandan Patriotic Front led by Paul Kagame took control of the capital city, Kigali, effectively ending the genocide and establishing a new government. This day is an important reminder of the country's journey towards independence and unity.</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 honors those who lost their lives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The 1994 Rwandan Genocide was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of approximately 800,000 lives. Rwanda Liberation Day serves as a way to remember and honor those who lost their lives during this time and to recognize the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people.</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 symbolizes hope for the future</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Rwanda has made significant progress since its liberation in terms of economic growth, development, and reconciliation. Rwanda Liberation Day represents not only the country's past struggles but also its determination to move forward and build a better future for its citizens.</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'>Rwanda has One of the Highest Proportions of Female Politicians Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Ever since the rebuilding efforts after the genocide, Rwanda has prioritized gender equality, leading to a high representation of women in political leadership positions. Currently, more than 60% of seats in Rwanda's parliament are held by women.</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'>"Agaciro" is the Guiding Principle for Rwanda's Liberation and Rebuilding</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term "Agaciro" translates to dignity or self-worth in Kinyarwanda. This principle has been at the heart of Rwanda's liberation struggle and subsequent rebuilding efforts, symbolizing self-reliance, and unity in the face of adversity.</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'>Rwanda is Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rwanda's geography is dominated by grassy uplands and beautiful steep hills, lending it the nickname "The Land of a Thousand hills". The scenic landscape is testament to the country's beauty beyond its turbulent past.</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'>Liberation Day is Set on Same Date as USA's Independence Day by Coincidence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Rwanda's Liberation Day happens to fall on July 4th, the same day as the United States' Independence Day. However, the dates share no other connection beyond this coincidence.</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'>Rwanda is Home to Half the World's Mountain Gorilla Population</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the difficulties of the past, Rwanda has made significant strides in environmental conservation. Today, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to about half of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.</p></div></div>
Rwanda Liberation Day is celebrated on July 4 every year. In 2024, Rwanda Liberation Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Jul 4
Tuesday
2024
Jul 4
Thursday
2025
Jul 4
Friday
2026
Jul 4
Saturday
2027
Jul 4
Sunday
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