Karume Day

Karume Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Friday, April 7th. There are until the next observance.

Karume Day is celebrated on April 7 each year to mourn the killing of Abeid Amani Karume, a former President of Zanzibar and Vice President of Tanzania. Did you know that Abeid Karume was an outspoken opponent of the 1964 revolution that resulted in his election as Zanzibar’s first president? Karume Day commemorates Karume’s legacy and his contribution to the independence of Zanzibar. Tanzania and Zanzibar observe Karume Day as a public holiday. Typically, a memorial service is performed at the tomb of Zanzibar’s founding president. As is customary, there will be a gun salute, a wreath will be laid, and people will say nice things about Karume’s life and work.

📆 When is Karume Day?

This year, Karume Day is on April 7th. It is the 1st Friday in April; in 2024, it is on Sunday.

→ Did you know: Zanzibar is comprised of various islands, the biggest of which are Pemba and Unguja.

You can also discover all exciting things you didn’t know about and facts about April 7, 2023.

📜 History of Karume Day

Karume was elected head of the Black African Immigrant Social Work Institute in 1957, and subsequently joined forces with the Shirazi Association to form the Afro-Shirazi Party. Zanzibar obtained independence from the British on December 10, 1963, and the Sultan of Zanzibar became a constitutional monarch. A revolution in Zanzibar overthrew the sultan and the Arab aristocracy on January 12, 1964. Ugandan John Okello spearheaded the revolt, which ended the same night.

Following his invasion of the islands, Okello invited Karume to become President of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar. Abdulrahman Mohamed Babu, a Marxist politician, was also invited and appointed to the Revolutionary Council by Okello. Karume utilized his status and political abilities to oppose Okello and seek Tanganyikan police personnel to keep the islands in order. Karume labeled Okello an “enemy of the state” and forbade him from ever returning to the nation.

Karume joined forces with Tanganyika President Julius Nyerere in April 1964. Karume was elected as the first vice president of the United Republic of Tanzania. In April 1972, four gunmen killed Karume in the Afro-Shirazi Party offices in Zanzibar Town.

☑️ Karume Day facts

✅ It’s the birthplace of Freddie Mercury
Farouk Bulsara, the lead singer of Queen, was born in Zanzibar as Mercury.

✅ The Spice Islands
Spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper are grown in large amounts on the island of Zanzibar.

✅ Zanzibar City is its capital
Contrary to common belief, Zanzibar City, not the old Stone Town, is the island’s capital.

✨ Things to do on Karume Day

⚡ Commemorate with Zanzibaris
The Zanzibaris commemorate their founder president on Karume Day. You can join them in their celebration by posting your best wishes on social media. Send a tweet or post in his honor, or make a TikTok or Instagram Reels video with your feelings.

⚡ Learn the history of Zanzibar
Humans have lived in Zanzibar for around 20,000 years. This little state has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, wars, and revolutions. Karume is referenced in Zanzibar’s history, so you may learn more about him on Karume Day. After you’ve completed your investigation, don’t forget to share your results!

⚡ Plan a trip to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, rich history and culture, and world-famous spice farms. CNN named it one of the top 50 most beautiful spots in Africa. Plan a journey to these remarkable islands to experience the unusual sights and sounds.

📅 Karume Day Observances

View all April holidays, including Federal and other Civic holidays.

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