Published on : Wednesday, December 4, 2013
On December 9, 1961, Tanzania became an independent Commonwealth realm, and Nyerere became Prime Minister, under a new constitution. On December 9, 1962, a republican constitution was implemented with Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere as Tanganyika’s first president. On this date in 1961, the East African nation gained Independence from Great Britain.
For Independence Day, Tanzanians celebrate the landmark with fireworks, and there is excitement in the streets of Dar es Salaam, the former capital. The official celebrations are held at National Stadium with the President, Prime Minister, Government officials and celebrities in attendance. Simultaneously a torch is taken to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, in the north of Tanzania, as a symbol of determination and freedom for all African countries in their independence struggles. The President grants pardons to hundreds of prisoners, usually over 70-years-old or suffering from cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. The local delicacies of Ugali and Pilau are prepared and are available in the shops. Traditional dance performances from Dodoma, Ukerewe and Zanzibar, and a performance by the Rwanda National Ballet are also performed.
A host of Independence Day celebrations are planned throughout the country including a weekend-long festival and a grand celebration.
Tags: Destination News
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