Trinidad and Tobago’s national holiday on 31 August, marking independence from Britain in 1962, is called Independence Day.
The country became independent on 31 August 1962 after having been a British colony. Eric Williams, leader of the People’s National Movement, became the first prime minister. Trinidad and Tobago initially retained the British monarch as head of state, becoming a republic later, on 1 August 1976.
Independence Day celebrations include a military parade, cultural performances, award ceremonies, and the presentation of national honors. The holiday is separate from Emancipation Day on 1 August, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. The two August observances reflect different milestones in the islands’ history.