When is the Independence Day of Comoros celebrated?
The Union of Comoros celebrates its Independence Day on July 6 to commemorate the historic occasion of achieving freedom from France in 1975.
How is the Independence Day of Comoros celebrated?
Like many other countries, Comoros also observes a national holiday on its Independence Day. Comorians honor their past and celebrate their present on this day with their traditional dance, music, and food. Political speeches and a presidential address also form an integral part of the celebrations.
Why is Independence Day significant?
Comoros first came in contact with Europeans in 1505, when the Portuguese explorers landed on its soil. However, it was the French, who managed to establish their control over this archipelago. The French came to Comoros in 1843, when they took control of Mayotte, and by 1886, took over three other islands of the archipelago – Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli.
After World War II, Comoros became an overseas territory of France and was granted representation in French National Assembly. It was granted internal autonomy in 1961, and later in 1973, an agreement was reached to grant freedom to Comoros in 1978. But in a referendum held in December 1974, all islands except Mayotte favored independence. Thus, on July 6, 1975, Comoros’s parliament passed a resolution declaring independence for all islands including Mayotte, but the French rejected that claim, and Mayotte became an overseas department or region of France. Nonetheless, the people of Comoros today celebrate this day to celebrate the historic moment when their nation gained its sovereignty.
What does the national flag of Comoros represent?
The present flag was designed in 2001 and was officially adopted on January 7, 2002. The government drafted a new constitution on December 23, 2001, and adopted the new flag at the same time. In 1997, two of its islands – Anjouan and Moheli – declared independence from Comoros. Although this move was not recognized internationally, the government of Comoros decided to adopt a new flag in 2002 to stress the unity among the different islands of the archipelago. The current flag consists of four horizontal stripes of yellow, white, red, and blue from top to bottom. A green triangle bearing a white crescent moon and four vertically lined five-pointed stars protrude from the left. While green, crescent moon, and stars signify Islam, the predominant religion of the nation, four other colors – yellow, white, red, and blue stand for the four islands (Moheli, Mayotte, Anjouan, and Grand Comore) of the country.
Who wrote the national anthem of Comoros?
The national anthem of Comoros, Udzima wa ya Masiwa, which means the Union of the Great Islands, was adopted in 1978. The lyrics were written by Said Hachim Sidi Abderemane who also composed its music along with Kamildine Abdallah.
Volcanoes in Comoros