Ivory Coast National Day

Ivory Coast National Day

BOOK HOTELS & FLIGHTS

Book stays for Ivory Coast National Day

AREA

Check hotel prices

OneSliders may earn a commission if you book through Booking.com.

  1. 1893Cote d'Ivoire becomes a French colony
  2. 1960Independence from France proclaimed under Felix Houphouet-Boigny
  3. 1983Yamoussoukro becomes the official political capital

The story behind the day

7 August marks the day in 1960 when Cote d'Ivoire became independent from France. The date is tied to Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the country's first president, who led the transition from French colony to sovereign West African republic.

The day became the national celebration of a country that soon built one of West Africa's strongest economies on cocoa, coffee, ports and migration. It also carries the memory of later political crises, making unity and civic stability recurring themes in official ceremonies.

Today Independence Day is marked with parades, official speeches, music and cultural performances, often rotating between major cities. Abidjan supplies the energy, while Yamoussoukro gives the state ceremony a formal capital setting.

Across the country, the day feels urban, musical and food-rich: zouglou and coupé-décalé, grilled fish, attiéké, bright orange-white-green flags and family gatherings all sit beside the official programme.

  1. 20267 August 2026 · Friday
  2. 20277 August 2027 · Saturday
  3. 20287 August 2028 · Monday
The Ivorian flag

The Ivorian flag has vertical orange, white and green bands. Orange is commonly associated with the northern savanna and national energy, white with peace and unity, and green with forests and hope. The design is simple, modern and closely tied to independence-era republican identity.

Ivorian food is generous and varied, with cassava, plantain, fish, chicken, peanuts and chilli at the centre. Abidjan street food gives celebrations a strong flavour.

What to eat

Attiéké and fishFermented cassava couscous with grilled fish, onions and chilli sauce.
GarbaAttiéké served with fried tuna, tomato, onion and hot pepper.
KedjenouChicken stew cooked slowly with vegetables in a sealed pot.
AllocoFried ripe plantains served with chilli sauce and grilled meat or fish.
Sauce grainePalm-nut sauce with meat or fish, eaten with rice or foutou.
Foutou bananePounded plantain and cassava served with rich sauces.

What to drink

BissapCold hibiscus drink popular at family events and street stalls.
BandjiPalm wine drunk fresh in villages and informal gatherings.
Flag beerPopular lager commonly served in Ivorian bars and restaurants.
Explore food & drink events ->

Cote d'Ivoire culture

Ivorian culture is famously musical and urban, but also rooted in Akan, Mandé, Kru and Gur traditions. Independence Day brings state ceremony together with dance, street food and city sound systems.

Abidjan celebrationsThe economic capital supplies concerts, nightlife and public holiday energy.
Yamoussoukro basilicaThe vast basilica is a striking symbol of Houphouet-Boigny's capital project.
Zouglou musicStudent-born urban music gives Ivorian celebrations a distinctive voice.
Mask traditionsWestern and central communities preserve masquerades used in ceremonies and festivals.