Civic Burkina Faso Independence Day 2023: Every year, on August 5, Burkina Faso commemorates its independence. It is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, and if it occurs on a weekend, it is observed the following weekday. This day commemorates Burkina Faso’s independence from France and is celebrated throughout the entire country. The country has over 20 million residents, so the celebrations are boisterous, with both the government and the citizens participating in various ways. On this day, the flag of Burkina Faso is typically flown from homes to stores and is decorated with the flag’s colours — red, green, and yellow.
DAY OF BURKINA FASO INDEPENDENCE: HISTORY
The landmass of Burkina Faso is 105,900 square miles and it is situated in West Africa. Burkina Faso has a population of over 20 million people, who are known as Burkinabè. The preponderance of the country’s 66 ethnic groups is the Mossi tribe. The Proto-Mossi arrived in what is now eastern Burkina Faso between the eighth and eleventh centuries, while other clans arrived around the fifteenth century.
In the early 1890s, during the European scramble for Africa, Europeans attempted to claim portions of what is now Burkina Faso. With these scrambles came violent battles and sometimes alliances with Burkina Faso’s natives in an attempt to acquire the territory. In 1896, the nation was conquered by France and became a French protectorate.
Throughout the years, there were numerous standoffs, particularly with the forces of Samori Ture, who was an Islamic cleric and military strategist. In 1897, the French occupied both the Eastern and Western territories following their eventual conquest by France. In 1898, the preponderance of what is now Burkina Faso was conquered, but control of certain regions remained uncertain.
In order to prevent future armed disturbances, the French separated the current territory of Burkina Faso from Upper Senegal and Niger. The territory was constituted on March 1, 1919, and was named French Upper Volta. Upper Volta became a self-governing nation in December 1958 and an independent nation on August 5, 1960. On August 2, 1984, the country’s name was changed from “Upper Volta” to “Burkina Faso,” which means “land of honest men.”
Five Fascinating Burkina Faso Facts
- Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, means “You are welcome here at home with us.”
- Gold is Burkina Faso’s primary export, followed by cotton and animal products.
- Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa that is landlocked.
- More than 65 percent of the population is under 25 years old.
- Burkina Faso’s history dates back to prehistoric periods, as artefacts indicate that it is one of the oldest human settlements in West Africa.
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WHY INDEPENDENCE DAY IN BURKINA FASO IS IMPORTANT
On this day, those who have contributed in some manner to what Burkina Faso is today are honoured. It is a day in which martyrs are honoured.
While gazing back to see how far they’ve come is beneficial, moving forward is always preferable. This day affords the opportunity to establish strategies to continue the heroic efforts of the past.
While commemorating the past and honouring those who fought for the nation’s independence, the day is also filled with enjoyable activities. Simply choose which enjoyable activity you would like to partake in.
