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On June 26, we celebrate the independence of Somalia! This day marks the country's declaration of sovereignty from Italy and the United Kingdom in 1960. After years of colonization, Somalians came together to establish their own government and take control of their own destiny. Today, this day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and traditional dances to honor the country's rich history and vibrant culture. It's a time for Somalians all over the world to come together and show pride for their nation. Let's join in on the festivities and celebrate this momentous occasion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1885</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Italian Colonization Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Italy gained control of the northern region of Somalia, marking the start of a long era of colonization.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1897</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Colonization Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British Empire established a protectorate in the south known as British Somaliland.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Military Administration</div><div class='timeline-text'>During WWII, British forces seized control of Italian Somaliland, forming a unified military administration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Italian Administration Returns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following WWII, Italian administration returned to Italian Somaliland under a United Nations mandate with independence planned for the future.</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'>On June 26, both British and Italian Somaliland were granted independence and united to form the Somali Republic.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Annual</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Celebrations Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Somalia starts celebrating Independence Day every year with various cultural festivities to honor their heritage and freedom.</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 Somali cuisine cooking party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to cook traditional Somali dishes together and celebrate the country's independence through food.</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'>Search for local events celebrating Somalia Independence Day, such as festivals featuring traditional music, dances, and food.</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'>Wear traditional Somali clothing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your pride for Somalia by wearing traditional clothes from the country, such as a dirac or a macawiis.</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'>Watch a documentary or film about Somalia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about the history and culture of Somalia by watching a documentary or film set in the country.</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'>Organize a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back to the community by organizing a service project, such as a beach clean-up or volunteering at a local charity, in honor of Somalia Independence Day.</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 represents freedom and self-determination</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Somalia Independence Day celebrates the country's liberation from colonial rule in 1960. This holiday is a testament to the Somali people's fight for independence and their journey towards building a nation of their own. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-determination and standing up against oppression.</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 showcases the rich culture and heritage of Somalia</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is also a time to celebrate and showcase the unique culture, traditions, and customs of Somalia. The country has a rich history that dates back centuries, and this holiday highlights its diversity and beauty. It is a time to honor and embrace Somali identity and heritage.</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</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Somalia Independence Day is an important date for all Somalis, both in their home country and abroad. It is a day where people come together to celebrate, reflect, and unite as a community. It is a time to remember the struggles of the past and look towards a brighter future for Somalia.</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'>Independence Day is marked by the hoisting of the Somali flag</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Somali flag, a symbol of unity and independence, is hoisted at official celebrations and private households during Independence Day to mark and celebrate Somalia's sovereignty.</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'>First female flight instructor in Africa is from Somalia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Asli Hassan Abade, who became the first female flight instructor in Africa in 1976, is a role model for many Somalis, highlighting their achievements even beyond independence.</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'>The first president post-independence held power for nine years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Aden Abdulle Osman Daar served as president after independence from 1960-1967, marking a peaceful start to the country's independence before political turmoil ensued in later years.</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'>Somali literature experienced a "golden age" post-independence</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the years following independence, Somalia saw a "golden age" of literature. Renowned authors and poets like Hadraawi and Nuruddin Farah began their careers during this period, fortifying the cultural heritage of the nation.</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'>Somalia's unique nomadic culture is celebrated during Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>With a large population of nomadic people, Somali Independence Day also celebrates this unique culture with traditional dances, songs, and storytelling that speaks of their nomadic lifestyle across the lands of Somalia.</p></div></div>
Somalia Independence Day is celebrated on June 26 every year. In 2024, the date will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
Jun 26
Monday
2024
Jun 26
Wednesday
2025
Jun 26
Thursday
2026
Jun 26
Friday
2027
Jun 26
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