December 21 marks the special day of São Tomé and Príncipe, the small African nation located in the Gulf of Guinea. This is a great time to celebrate this small nation and learn more about its culture and history. São Tomé Day celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975 and is a public holiday throughout much of the country. The celebration includes plenty of festivities, music and dance, as well as food and drink. To honor São Tomé Day, let’s look at some facts about this fascinating nation, explore its traditions, dishes, popular music and more.
What is São Tomé Day?
São Tomé Day is celebrated on December 21st in honor of São Tomé, the capital city of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is a national holiday in the country and many people have the day off from work. The holiday is also known as Independence Day, as it marks the day when São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
There are various events and activities held throughout the day to celebrate São Tomé Day. In the morning, a military parade takes place in the capital city followed by a speech from the President of São Tomé and Príncipe. This is followed by a church service and then a national holiday lunch, which is usually a buffet of traditional dishes. In the afternoon, there are usually cultural events such as dance performances and music concerts. The evening usually ends with a fireworks display.
The History of São Tomé Day
São Tomé day is a public holiday in São Tomé and Príncipe, celebrated on 21 December. It commemorates the discovery of the islands by Portuguese explorers in 1470.
The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe were uninhabited when they were discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1470. They were named after Saint Thomas the Apostle, who is said to have visited the islands.
The first European settlers arrived on the island of São Tomé in 1493. They began to grow sugar cane, which quickly became the main export of the island.
In 1522, the first slaves were brought to São Tomé from Africa to work on the plantations. This marked the beginning of a long history of slavery on the islands.
In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal. Since then, 21 December has been celebrated as a national holiday.
How is São Tomé Day Celebrated?
São Tomé Day is celebrated on December 21st, the feast day of Saint Thomas the Apostle. The holiday is mainly celebrated in the Portuguese island of São Tomé and Príncipe, but also in other parts of the world with a significant Portuguese presence.
On São Tomé Day, people usually attend church services and then spend time with family and friends. Traditional foods such as cachupa (a stew made with beans, corn, and meat) are often eaten on this day. In some areas, people may also participate in parades or other festivities.
Recipes for São Tomé Day
1. Recipes for São Tomé Day
In celebration of São Tomé day on December 1st, try one of these delicious recipes!
-São Tomé Rice: This dish is made with coconut milk, ginger, and cilantro. It’s simple to make and perfect for a holiday meal.
-São Tomé Chicken: This recipe features chicken thighs that are marinated in a mixture of garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. They’re then baked until juicy and served with a side of rice.
-São Tomé Beans: These beans are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onion, and chili pepper. They make a great side dish or can be enjoyed as a main course.
-São Tomé Fish: This recipe features fresh fish that is pan-fried and served with a tangy pineapple salsa. It’s a light and healthy option for your holiday feast.
Music of São Tomé Day
São Tomé day is a public holiday celebrated on the island of São Tomé, in the country of São Tomé and Príncipe, off the west coast of Africa. The day commemorates the island’s discovery by Portuguese explorer João da Nova on December 21, 1471. The holiday is celebrated with street parties and parades, as well as traditional music and dance. The music of São Tomé Day is characterized by its African influences, with rhythms and sounds that are unique to the island. If you’re looking to get a taste of the music of São Tomé Day, check out some of these traditional songs:
“Côco do Amor” – This song is about a young man who falls in love with a girl from a different social class.
“Tchiloli” – A traditional folk dance song that is often performed at celebrations and festivals.
“Baila Baila” – A popular party song that gets everyone moving and dancing.
Conclusion
On São Tomé Day, the people of São Tomé come together to celebrate their rich culture and proud history. This is a day to commemorate the progress they have made over the years and look forward to more positive changes in the future. By spending time with family and friends, taking part in local events, or simply appreciating all that São Tomé has to offer, we can all participate in this celebration of identity and unity across nations. Celebrate São Tomé Day on December 21st!
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 21 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2024 | December 21 | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 21 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
Important days and events on December 21
| DATE | EVENT |
| DEC 21 | National Coquito Day |
| DEC 21 | National Short Girl Appreciation Day |
| DEC 21 | Winter Solstice |
| DEC 21 | Blue Christmas |
| DEC 21 | December Solstice |
| DEC 21 | Dongzhi |
| DEC 21 | Humbug Day |
| DEC 21 | Look on the Bright Side Day |
| DEC 21 | National Armagnac Day |
| DEC 21 | National Crossword Puzzle Day |
| DEC 21 | National Flashlight Day |
| DEC 21 | National French Fried Shrimp Day |
| DEC 21 | National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day |
| DEC 21 | National Lee Day |
| DEC 21 | National Maine Day |
| DEC 21 | São Tomé Day |
| DEC 21 | World Snowboard Day |
| DEC 21 | Yule |
