The lovely people of the island nation of Tuvalu will mark the 41st anniversary of their independence on October 1st, This day holds great significance for Tuvaluans everywhere in the world, as it celebrates the anniversary of the declaration of independence from British Rule on October 1st, 1978.
When is Tuvalu Independence Day ?
The Tuvalu Independence Day falls on Friday, 1 October. This year, the Tuvaluans will celebrate their 43rd anniversary of independence – commemorating the declaration of independence from Great Britain.
SECTION # 1
Tuvalu Independence History: How Did Tuvalu Gain Independence?
Tuvalu, that is formerly known as Ellice Islands, came under Great Britain’s rule in the late 19th century as the result of the treaty signed between Germany and Britain relating to the demarcation of the spheres of influence in the Pacific Ocean.
The Ellice Islands was declared a British Protectorate in October 1892 and remained under colonial rule for 84 years till 1976.
The United Nations Organization was founded after World War II and it started the policy of decolonization. In 1974, a referendum was held to decide whether the Ellice Island should stay a British Colony or gain independence. As a result, separation of the colony was divided into two stages – In 1975 Tuvalu was perceived as a different British reliance with its own legislature and in 1976 separate administrative units were made out of the civil services of the former colony.
Tuvalu became a completely independent state within the Commonwealth on October 1st, 1978, marking the end of British rule. Mr. Toaripi Lauti became the first Prime Minister of Tuvalu and the country finally emerged as an independent nation.
Tuvalu National Flag
The national flag of Tuvalu was designed when the country became an independent nation in 1978 and getting freedom from Great Britain’s rule.
The Tuvalu Flag is a blue ensign based on the Union Flag. There are nine stars present on the flag which represent the nine islands of Tuvalu. The arrangement of the stars is geographically correct, with the east towards the top.
SECTION # 2
Tuvalu Independence Day Holiday: Celebrations, Customs & Traditions
The Tuvaluans all around the world will celebrate Tuvalu Independence Day on 1st October. As this day holds a great importance for every Tuvaluan, so people here celebrate this day with full patriotic zeal and fervor.
The independence day begins with special prayers for peace, progress, and development in the country. Early in the morning, a ceremony of raising nation flag is held in the capital of Tuvalu. The ceremony is followed by a military parade.
The national flag is hoisted at all important public and private buildings. As its a public holiday, so many people go out with their families to enjoy and celebrate. The day-long festivities also include special seminars, music and painting exhibitions.
To spice up the festivities, vendors set up stalls across the country to sell Tuvalu’s national flag, shirts, badges, and caps. These stalls are crowded with youngsters and elderly alike who buy these things to show their patriotism.
Happy Tuvalu Independence Day Quotes & Wishes
- Happy 41st Independence Day Tuvalu! May Allah The Almighty always save us and give His abundant blessing to all of us. Alofa Kia Latou Katoa, Seai Sefili
- Happy Independence Day to all our friends in #Tuvalu!
- Happy Independence Day to the beautiful country of Tuvalu a place which will always hold special significance for me.
- Cordial greetings and sincere good wishes to the Government and the people of Tuvalu as they commemorate the jubilant occasion of their 41st Independence Day.
- Wishing the people of Tuvalu happy festivities on the anniversary of their independence day!
Some Interesting Facts About Tuvalu
- Tuvalu is an island country located in the southern Pacific Ocean
- Tuvalu was formerly known as Ellice Islands
- It has two official languages: English and Tuvaluan
- The country’s largest source of income is from the lease of it’s highly famous .tv Internet Top Level Domain (TLD)
- With an area of 26 square kilometers, Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country by area in the world
- Tuvalu has picture-perfect beaches with turquoise waters, but surprisingly it is not popular with the masses. It’s the least visited country in the world, with just 1000 tourists per year!
- Tuvalu was first sighted by Europeans on 16 January 1568 during the voyage of Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira
- The islands remained under British sphere of influence for 84 years from 1892-1976
- In 1974, the Ellice Islanders voted for separate British dependency status as Tuvalu, separating from the Gilbert Islands which became Kiribati upon independence
- Most Tuvaluans are involved in traditional agriculture and fishing
- The islands enjoy a low terror threat and don’t have armed forces
- Transport services in Tuvalu are limited with only 8 kilometers of road network
- A traditional sport played in Tuvalu is kilikiti, which is similar to cricket