Zanzibar Revolution Day 2026

About this event

Zanzibar Revolution Day, observed annually on January 12th, is a pivotal public holiday in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. This significant day commemorates the 1964 revolution that overthrew the Sultanate of Zanzibar and established the People's Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba, paving the way for its eventual union with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The revolution was a momentous event that brought about significant social and political changes, aiming to establish greater equality and self-governance for the island's African majority. On this day, official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events are held across Zanzibar to reflect on the historical importance of the revolution and its impact on the island's trajectory. It is a day for Zanzibaris to celebrate their liberation and the establishment of a government that represented the will of its people, fostering a strong sense of pride and historical consciousness among its residents and serving as a reminder of their journey to independence and self-determination, and the ongoing commitment to their unique identity within Tanzania.