Angola National Day 2026

The date followed years of anti-colonial struggle and the collapse of Portugal's Estado Novo dictatorship, which opened the way for independence across its African territories. The day often highlights national unity, oil-era rebuilding, Kimbundu and Ovimbundu cultural expression, and the memory of those who fought in the independence movement.

Angolan partner dance and music style now recognised across the Lusophone world.

Angola celebrates Independence Day on 11 November, marking the proclamation of independence from Portugal in 1975. The date followed years of anti-colonial struggle and the collapse of Portugal's Estado Novo dictatorship, which opened the way for independence across its African territories.

The celebration is complicated by what followed: independence quickly gave way to a long civil war that lasted until 2002. That makes the day both a liberation anniversary and a reminder of how costly state-building became for ordinary Angolans across regions and generations.

Official ceremonies, concerts, flags and speeches are common, especially in Luanda. The day often highlights national unity, oil-era rebuilding, Kimbundu and Ovimbundu cultural expression, and the memory of those who fought in the independence movement.

• 1483Portuguese contact begins along the Kongo coast
• 1961Armed struggle against Portuguese rule intensifies
• 1975Angola declares independence in Luanda

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalLuanda
• Time zoneWAT (UTC+1)

• Currency: Angolan kwanza
• Language: Portuguese
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Luanda
• Phone: +244
• Emergency: 113
• Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/F