Burundi Independence Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, July 1st. There are until the next observance.

Burundi Independence Day is observed every year on July 1. It is an official public holiday in Burundi; however, it is not widely observed. This is because of the long-running violence in Burundi between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. During colonial times, Belgium employed the Tutsi tribe to indirectly dominate the country, causing Hutu resentment. Belgian settlers left Burundi for an independent government on July 1, 1962. Today, the situation is substantially better, but only after decades of civil conflict and upheaval. Rwanda and Burundi were once administered as the Rwanda-Urundi colony. The two colonies were subsequently divided, and Burundi gained independence in 1962.

📆 When is Burundi Independence Day?

This year, Burundi Independence Day is on July 1st. It is the 1st Saturday in July; in 2024, it is on Monday.

Countdown to Burundi Independence Day

Did you know: Red symbolizes the battle for freedom, green symbolizes optimism, and white symbolizes peace.

You can also discover all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about July 1, 2023.

📜 History of Burundi Independence Day

In October 1924, Ruanda-Urundi—today’s Rwanda and Burundi—became a Belgian League of Nations-mandated territory. The monarchy of Burundi persisted despite the fact that the nation’s territories were governed by two European colonial powers. Burundi became an independent nation in 1959 after Mwami Mwambutsa IV requested independence from Belgium. On July 1, 1962, Burundi proclaimed its independence and adopted the name Burundi. With Mwami Mwambutsa IV as king, the country adopted a constitutional monarchy. Burundi formally joined the UN on September 18. Following independence, there were not many tranquil years. Years of coups, civil conflict, and genocide have occurred in Burundi. But since 2006, the nation has experienced a largely peaceful period.

A presidential representative democratic republic is the type of political structure that exists in Burundi. Both the head of state and the head of government of Burundi are the president. The constitution, which was put into place on March 13, 1992, allows for the creation of many parties and encourages multi-party competition. The constitution was amended on June 6, 1998, to include two vice presidents.

☑️ Burundi Independence Day facts

There are three stars in the middle
They symbolize Burundi’s three main ethnic groups, the Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa, as well as the country’s slogan, “Unity, Work, Progress.”

The civil war lasted twelve years
From 1993 through 2005, the country was at war.

Lake Tanganyika is in Burundi
It is the longest freshwater lake in the world.

Things to do on Burundi Independence Day

Learn Burundi’s history
Before you become involved in the Burundi Independence Day celebrations, learn about the country’s history. To learn more about the country, study scholarly publications or books on modern history.

Wish your friends from Burundi
Send your warmest wishes to anyone in Burundi on this day of independence. It’s a great chance to show that you care about the country’s efforts to find peace and freedom.

Enjoy a classic Burundian meal
Meat is rarely consumed in Burundi. A typical Burundi lunch includes sweet potatoes, corn, rice, and peas. Create a meal using only these ingredients to commemorate Burundi’s independence day.

📅 Burundi Independence Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 July 1 Saturday
2024 July 1 Monday
2025 July 1 Tuesday
2026 July 1 Wednesday
2027 July 1 Thursday

Learn all July holidays, including Federal and other Federal holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Burundi Independence Day. So be sure to check back soon.