Regional/Cultural Day
Fete de l'Independance
Marks the 1960 independence from France, achieved without war through the diplomacy of Leopold Sedar Senghor and Lamine Gueye. The day is celebrated with a military parade on the Avenue de la Republique in Dakar, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies. Senegal's independence was achieved peacefully, a point of national pride that distinguishes it from many African nations. Schoolchildren march in uniform, and the green, yellow, and red flag flies from every building.