What is Timor-Leste’s national holiday on 20 May, commemorating the end of Indonesian occupation in 2002, called?

Timor-Leste’s 20 May national holiday is called Restoration of Independence Day.

The date marks the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence on 20 May 2002. The United Nations administered the territory during the transition after a 1999 referendum, and sovereignty was formally restored when the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste became independent in 2002.

The holiday is distinct from 28 November, which commemorates Timor-Leste’s unilateral declaration of independence from Portugal in 1975. Indonesia invaded shortly afterward, beginning a long period of occupation. The word “restoration” therefore reflects the return of independence after that interrupted earlier declaration.

National observances feature official ceremonies, speeches, cultural performances, military participation, and public displays of the national flag. The date is sometimes described informally as Independence Day, but its official English name emphasizes the restoration of sovereignty in 2002.