Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Saint Barthélemy

Saint Barthélemy annually observes Abolition Day on October 9 as a public holiday. Its purpose is to commemorate 1847, the year that slavery was finally eradicated from the island. The occasion provides Saint Barthélemy residents with a chance to pause and lament their harrowing history while commemorating their current state of liberty. The date designates a day off for the general public, during which the majority of schools, businesses, and non-essential government offices are closed. The newer generations gain a fresh appreciation for their freedom while the older generations share the experiences they have undergone.

The background of Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day

Saint Barthélemy, situated in the Caribbean, is a French overseas collectivity alternatively referred to as St. Barths or St. Barts. It is postulated that the island was initially encountered by the Taíno and Arawak people, subsequently followed by the Caribs. Nevertheless, its unsuitable soil and water resources prevented permanent settlement. In 1493, Christopher Columbus made history as the initial European to set foot on the island. The French colonized the island in 1648 at the behest of the French West India Company’s lieutenant governor. The settlement came under attack from the Caribs in 1656.

The island was ruled by lieutenant governor Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy until his death in 1660. The island was acquired by the French West India Company in 1665; upon the dissolution of the Company in 1674, it became a province of France. Piracy and British incursions, which occurred in 1744, both contributed to the island’s deteriorating economy. The island was subsequently sold to Sweden in 1784 by King Louis XVI.

Slavery was in operation in accordance with the 1787 Ordinance pertaining to the Police of Slaves and Free Colored People. The final legally possessed slaves were liberated on October 9, 1847. As a consequence of the economic devastation caused by natural disasters, Saint Barthélemy was repatriated to France in 1878. For an extended period of time, it was governed as an overseas region and department of France known as Guadeloupe. Saint Barthélemy achieved independence from the administrative jurisdiction of Guadeloupe in 2007, subsequently transitioning into a French overseas collectivity subsequent to a referendum held in 2003.

5 Saint Barthélemy facts

Saint Barthélemy was referred to by the Arawak as Ouanalao.

Although French is the official tongue of Saint Barthélemy, English is widely spoken as well.

It is said that Saint Barthélemy experiences no more than five days of cloud cover annually.

Saint Barthélemy is committed to assisting in the restoration of coral reefs.

Saint Barthélemy spoils those with a variegated sensibility with everything from locally crafted goods to designer apparel and accessories.

SAINT BARTHÉLEMY: ABOLITION DAY DATES