Burkina Faso National Day

Burkina Faso National Day

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  1. 1896Mossi kingdom of Ouagadougou falls under French pressure
  2. 1960Upper Volta becomes independent from France
  3. 1984Thomas Sankara renames the country Burkina Faso

Why Burkina Faso marks 11 December

Burkina Faso marks its National Day on 11 December, remembering the proclamation of the Republic of Upper Volta in 1958 within the French Community. Full independence from France followed on 5 August 1960, but 11 December became the main national holiday.

The date reflects the country's complex path from French colonial territory to republic and then to Burkina Faso, the name adopted in 1984 under Thomas Sankara. The new name is often translated as land of upright people and remains central to national identity.

Celebrations rotate between regions and include official parades, cultural performances, speeches and military ceremonies. The day is also a reminder of Mossi political history, Sahelian resilience, craft traditions and the continuing challenges faced by the country.

  1. 202611 December 2026 · Friday
  2. 202711 December 2027 · Saturday
  3. 202811 December 2028 · Monday
The Burkinabe flag

The flag of Burkina Faso has red and green horizontal bands with a yellow star in the centre. Red is often linked to the revolution, green to agriculture and hope, and the star to guiding ideals. The colours are Pan-African and were adopted when Upper Volta became Burkina Faso in 1984.

Burkinabe food is Sahelian and grain-centred, with millet, sorghum, rice, peanuts, leafy sauces and grilled meats forming the basis of everyday and festive meals.

What to eat

Riz grasSeasoned rice cooked with tomato, vegetables and meat, popular for celebrations.
ToMillet or sorghum paste served with okra, baobab leaf or peanut sauces.
Poulet bicycletteFree-range chicken grilled or stewed, known for firm texture and strong flavour.
BabendaBitter greens cooked with fermented locust beans and ground peanuts.
BrochettesGrilled meat skewers served with onions, chilli and street-side bread.
GonreBean cakes or steamed bean preparations eaten as filling snacks.

What to drink

DoloTraditional millet beer brewed by women and served in calabashes.
BissapCold hibiscus drink sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavoured with mint.
Zoom-koomMillet flour drink with ginger and tamarind, especially refreshing in hot weather.
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Burkina Faso culture

Burkina Faso is known for masks, bronze casting, cinema and music as much as politics. National Day ceremonies often showcase regional identities from Mossi, Bobo, Lobi and Fulani communities.

FESPACOOuagadougou hosts Africa's major film festival, central to the country's cultural reputation.
Mossi horse traditionsMounted imagery and chiefly traditions reflect the historic Mossi kingdoms.
Bobo masksWooden masks from western Burkina Faso appear in ceremonies and cultural displays.
Laongo granite sculpturesOpen-air sculpture site near Ouagadougou connects modern art with national landscape.