Karume Day Tanzania 2026

About this event

Karume Day, observed annually on April 7th, is a public holiday in Tanzania, particularly significant in Zanzibar. This day commemorates the assassination of Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, Zanzibar's first President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, who was tragically killed on April 7, 1972. Karume was a pivotal figure in the Zanzibar Revolution and played a crucial role in the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania alongside Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. The holiday honours his legacy and his profound contributions to the development of Zanzibar and the broader Tanzanian nation, emphasizing his vision for social justice, economic empowerment, and unity among the people. Official ceremonies, remembrance gatherings, and various events are held to reflect on his leadership and the historical impact of his work on the islands' trajectory. It is a day for Tanzanians, especially Zanzibaris, to pay tribute to a leader who significantly impacted the political landscape and social fabric of the islands, serving as a reminder of his dedication and the historical events that shaped the nation's identity and ongoing progress.