Central African Republic National Day

Central African Republic National Day

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  1. 1958Central African Republic proclaimed within French Community
  2. 1960Full independence from France follows in August
  3. 1979Republic restored after the fall of Bokassa empire

Why CAR marks 1 December

The Central African Republic marks its national day on 1 December, remembering the proclamation of the republic in 1958 within the French Community. Full independence from France came on 13 August 1960, but Republic Day remains the main national holiday.

The date sits within a difficult national history: colonial concession companies, independence, Jean-Bedel Bokassa's empire, repeated coups and conflict. For citizens, the holiday is therefore not just a founding anniversary but an aspiration toward peace, civic order and shared national life.

Celebrations centre on Bangui with official ceremonies, parades, speeches and music when security conditions allow. The day highlights the national flag, the Ubangi River setting, church communities, dance traditions and the hope of unity across a fragile state.

  1. 20261 December 2026 · Tuesday
  2. 20271 December 2027 · Wednesday
  3. 20281 December 2028 · Friday
The Central African flag

The Central African Republic flag combines blue, white, green and yellow horizontal bands crossed by a red vertical stripe, with a yellow star in the upper hoist. The design by Barthelemy Boganda was meant to combine French colours with Pan-African colours, signalling both history and African solidarity.

Central African food is based on cassava, plantains, peanuts, leafy greens, fish and stews. Meals are filling, practical and closely tied to river and forest landscapes.

What to eat

GozoCassava paste or dough served with sauces, a staple across the country.
KandaSpiced meatballs often made with beef or goat and served in sauce.
Spinach stewLeafy greens cooked with peanut paste, onion and sometimes smoked fish.
Grilled capitaine fishRiver fish from the Ubangi or Sangha, grilled or cooked in sauce.
MakaraFried banana or flour fritters sold as sweet street snacks.
Peanut sauceGroundnut sauce served with cassava, rice, plantains or meat.

What to drink

Ginger juiceStrong sweet ginger drink served cold in homes and markets.
Palm wineTraditional fermented palm drink used in social gatherings.
Mocaf beerLocally brewed lager associated with Bangui bars and celebrations.
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Central African Republic culture

Central African culture is shaped by river trade, forest communities, church music, dance and craft traditions. National Day gives these local identities a state ceremony frame.

Bangui ceremoniesThe capital hosts official parades and speeches near national institutions.
Pygmy polyphonyAka vocal music is internationally recognised for complex interlocking singing.
Ubangi RiverThe river shapes Bangui's geography and remains central to travel and trade.
Boganda legacyFounding leader Barthelemy Boganda remains a major figure in national memory.