Heroes' Day in 2025

When is National Heroes' Day?

National Heroes' Day is a public holiday in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde on 20th January.

The holiday in both nations marks those who have contributed to nationhood on the anniversary of the death of Amílcar Cabral.

History of Heroes' Day

Amílcar Lopes Cabral was born in Portuguese Guinea in 1924. Educated in Cape Verde and Lisbon, he developed his political theories regarding colonialism, becoming a leading figure in the liberation movement in West Africa.

In 1956, Cabral established the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). At first, the PAIGC pushed for independence through peaceful means. In 1963, disillusioned by Portugal's use of force to suppress local demonstrations, the PAIGC launched a military campaign beginning the war of independence.

On 20 January 1973, Cabral was shot dead by a disgruntled former PAIGC rival Inocêncio Kani.

Cabral died before seeing his country achieve independence only a few months later, with his brother becoming President. Cape Verde followed with independence in July 1975.

The two countries chose 20th January as their National Heroes' Day because it falls on the anniversary of Cabral's death and although the day is to honour all national heroes, choosing this date is a fitting way to celebrate and commemorate the life of an important figure in the independence of both countries.