Proclamation of Independence Day (Timor-Leste)

The Proclamation of Independence Day in Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) is a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28th. It commemorates the date in 1975 when the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) unilaterally declared East Timor independent from Portugal. This declaration occurred shortly after Portugal withdrew its colonial administration.

However, this initial period of independence was extremely short-lived. Just nine days later, on December 7th, 1975, Indonesia invaded and occupied East Timor. This invasion marked the beginning of a brutal 24-year occupation characterized by significant human rights abuses and a struggle for self-determination.

While November 28th is recognized and celebrated as the Proclamation of Independence Day, it is distinct from Restoration of Independence Day, celebrated on May 20th. Restoration of Independence Day commemorates the date in 2002 when East Timor formally achieved full sovereignty and became an internationally recognized independent nation, following a United Nations-administered transition period after the 1999 independence referendum.

The Proclamation of Independence Day serves as a reminder of the early hopes for independence and the subsequent struggle against Indonesian occupation. It is a day of remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made by the Timorese people in their pursuit of self-determination. The day is typically marked by ceremonies, speeches, and cultural events that honor the nation's history and celebrate the spirit of independence. While May 20th marks the culmination of the independence movement, November 28th remains a significant symbolic date in Timor-Leste's national identity.