JANUARY 1 - New
Year’s Day New Year’s Day is a holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe that is part of the celebrations that begin on New Year’s Eve and culminate with the stroke of midnight, from 11:59 p.m. on December 31 toof January 1. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm; after midnight, people head to the beaches to “wash away the old year and start the new year clean.” New Year’s Day is, for some, a time for resolutions and fresh starts, while for others, it is a day to recover from a night well spent with friends and family.
JANUARY 4 - King Amador
Day Amador Vieira, also known as King Amador or Amador dos Angolares, was a São Toméan anti-slavery and anti-colonial leader responsible for the largest revolt against Portuguese rule on the island of São Tomé prior to the process of national independence for São Tomé and Príncipe. He became king of the first independent national entity on the island of São Tomé, the Kingdom of the Angolares, and also declared himself “captain-general of war” of the Angolares armies, which numbered about 5,000 active troops—more than half of the enslaved people on the island. He also bestowed upon himself the title of liberator of all the natives, mimicking a messianic liberation.
JANUARY 17—Discovery of Príncipe
Island Príncipe Island, originally known as Santo António Island, was discovered on January 17, 1471, by the Portuguese navigators João de Santarém and Pedro Escobar, fulfilling King João II’s dream of discovering a new sea route to India.
FEBRUARY 3 – Day of the Martyrs of Liberty
It is in Fernão Dias where we witness the commemoration of the Day of the Martyrs. On this national holiday, the country commemorates the dramatic events of February 3, 1953, when hundreds of São Toméan workers were killed during the military offensive carried out by Portuguese Governor Carlos Gorgulho, because they refused to work on the cocoa and coffee plantations and on public works projects. Many of them died on Fernão Dias Beach, where a pier was being built at the time. The so-called Batepá massacre strengthened the determination of the people of São Tomé to achieve independence and alerted the international community to the situation of oppression prevailing in the Portuguese colony. Survivors of the 1953 massacre visit Fernão Dias every year.
APRIL 29 – Autonomy of Príncipe
Island “Autonomy is an irreversible process leading to our independence, and its results are plain for all to see.” Príncipe Island is the second-largest island in the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago, which consists of two main islands. Administratively, since April 29, 1995, this island has constituted an autonomous region comprising the district of Pagué. In just over two decades of autonomy, Príncipe Island has found its path toward development and toward improving the living conditions and well-being of its population. “Autonomy Day
is a national holiday—a true milestone in the history of São Tomé and Príncipe as a free and independent nation.”
MAY 1—Labor
Day Every year, the people of São Tomé and Príncipe observe Labor Day on May 1. It is a celebration of workers and their importance to society and the national economy; however, unfortunately, working conditions in São Tomé and Príncipe have been, to say the least, very difficult. It was only with the discovery of large oil reserves in the region in the 1990s that the situation began to change. However, widespread unemployment persists to this day, and working conditions on plantations are often poor. Nevertheless, many people look forward to this day off every year in May. And the holiday provides an opportunity not only for celebrations and leisure but also for protesting and demanding more workers’ rights.
JUNE 1 — World Children’s
Day This is a day dedicated to upholding children’s rights, promoting their well-being, and raising public awareness of the importance of ensuring education, protection, and healthy development. It is also a time for celebration, with recreational, cultural, and educational activities geared toward children.
JULY 12 – Independence Day of São Tomé and Príncipe
The archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence on July 12, 1975. This archipelago, comprising the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as several islets, had been colonized by the Portuguese from the late 15th century through the early 16th century. In the wake of the wave of decolonization that swept through the former Portuguese colonies, this small territory—covering just over 991 square kilometers—was also granted independence. Rosa Coutinho led the Portuguese delegation that transferred power to the São Toméan authorities.
AUGUST 15—Feast of Saint Lawrence or Feast of Saint Anthony, Prince
of Príncipe: The Feast of Saint Lawrence, the largest festival on Príncipe Island held on August 15, is a cultural event that marks the highlight of the island’s monthly August celebrations. Once all the pairs of Moors in red clothing and Christians in green clothing had gathered, they made their way to Marcelo da Veiga’s Central Square, where the Moors set up their castle next to the Passos de Conselho, in a straight line 150 meters long leading to the door of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, where the Christians’ castle was located.
With strong participation from everyone—including emigrants from Príncipe, whether residents or not—and the special presence of foreigners who tirelessly capture images of the event, this serves as eyewitness testimony to this power struggle between the Moors and the Christians, as recounted in the history of Alto de Floripes in the Príncipe Autonomous Region.
SEPTEMBER 6—Armed
Forces Day September 6 is observed annually as Armed Forces Day on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe.
SEPTEMBER 30 – Agricultural
Reform Day September 30 is Agricultural Reform Day in São Tomé and Príncipe, commemorating the nationalization of many of the country’s largest plantations immediately following independence.
NOVEMBER 2 – All Souls’
Day On this day, it is customary for families to visit cemeteries, bring flowers, light candles, and say prayers as a way to remember and honor those who have passed away. The date is marked by respect, reflection, and longing, and is also a time for family and spiritual unity.
NOVEMBER 26—Algiers
Agreement Signing Day The Algiers Agreement, signed on November 26, 1974, marked a decisive step in the process of São Tomé and Príncipe’s independence.
This agreement was signed between the Portuguese government and the São Tomé and Príncipe Liberation Movement, establishing the terms for the transition of power and paving the way for national independence, which was proclaimed on July 12, 1975. This is a date of great historical significance, symbolizing the beginning of self-determination for the people of São Tomé.
DECEMBER 21 — São Tomé Day and Transition
Government Day This day commemorates the discovery of the island of São Tomé by Portuguese navigators in 1470. It was also the day on which the transitional government for national independence took office in 1974, and, from a religious perspective, it is considered the feast day of the saint after whom the island is named. The São Toméan Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Thomas, patron saint of the island, which was discovered in 1470 by the Portuguese navigators João de Santarém and Pedro Escobar. According to history, it was in the Anan Bó area, in the north of the island of São Tomé, near the Diogo Vaz plantation, that the Portuguese navigators landed in 1470.
DECEMBER 25—Christmas or Family
Day With a predominantly Catholic Christian population, Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion throughout the islands. As a former Portuguese colony, the Christmas tradition has remained a custom among the population. Families gather to celebrate Christmas dinner after Midnight Mass.
ASH WEDNESDAY—Movable Holiday (Dia do Bocado)
Ash Wednesday is a movable holiday on the Christian calendar; its date varies each year, and it is celebrated after Carnival.
This day marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of preparation for Easter, characterized by fasting, prayer, and reflection. For the faithful, it symbolizes repentance, spiritual renewal, and a call to conversion.
