释义 |
Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day Trinidad and Tobago Republic DaySeptember 24The country of Trinidad and Tobago consists of two islands in the Caribbean just northeast of Venezuela. The islands became British colonies during the 19th century and in 1889 were joined into one colony. On August 31, 1962, Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from England. On August 1, 1976, the nation became a republic. To mark the occasion, September 1—the date when the nation's first parliament met—has become Republic Day. The holiday was removed from the calendar from 1999 to 2002 to make room for Spiritual Baptist (Shouters) Liberation Day. But it returned in 2002 and remains today. Republic Day is normally celebrated with a parade and other festivities, including dances and feasts. The Royal Oak Derby, Trinidad and Tobago's most important horse race, is normally run on this day as well. The nation's president always gives a speech stressing that being a republic means that all citizens are to assume responsibility for their own actions as the price of freedom. CONTACTS: Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago 1708 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-1975 202-467-6490 or 202-467-6493; fax: 202-785-3130 www.ttembassy.cjb.net
|