Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day is celebrated on October 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day.

📅 What day is Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day 2024?

In 2024, Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day is on Monday, October 9th. It is the 2nd Monday in October; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about October 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Abolition Day is a yearly holiday observed on October 9th in Saint Barthélemy. It commemorates the end of slavery on the island in 1847. This special day gives the people of Saint Barthélemy an opportunity to remember the dark history of slavery and also rejoice in their present freedom. It is a public holiday, so most businesses, non-essential government offices, and schools are closed. During this time, older generations may share their personal stories and experiences, while younger generations gain a newfound appreciation for the value of their freedom.

📜 Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day History

The lieutenant governor, Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, governed the island until he died in 1660. In 1665, the French West India Company purchased the island, and it became a part of the Kingdom of France in 1674 when the company dissolved. The island faced economic challenges and became a target for pirates and the British, who attacked in 1744. In 1784, King Louis XVI traded the island to Sweden.

In 1787, slavery was legalized with the Ordinance Concerning the Police of Slaves and Free Colored People. The last legally owned slaves gained their freedom on October 9, 1847. Saint Barthélemy was sold back to France in 1878 due to severe natural disasters that devastated the economy. It was managed as part of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory and department, for many years. After a vote in 2003, Saint Barthélemy separated from Guadeloupe’s administrative control and became a French overseas collectivity in 2007.

✅ Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day Facts

🔖 French is its official language
French is the primary language in Saint Barthélemy, but English is also widely spoken by many individuals.

🔖 The sun’s present all year round there
According to reports, Saint Barthélemy experiences only a maximum of five sunless days each year.

🔖 It was originally called Ouanalao
The native Arawak community had a different name, Ouanalao, for the island now known as Saint Barthélemy.

👍 Why Is Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day Important

Abolition Day is observed to celebrate the day when slaves were emancipated. This is essential to remember so that we do not lose sight of the significance of human rights.

Because liberty is costly, it must be valued by everyone who enjoys it. Abolition Day is a public holiday, so we may make use of it.

For a long time, slavery has been widely condemned. Unfortunately, the International Labor Organization estimates that more than 40 million people are victims of contemporary slavery.

🙂 How To Observe Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day

⚡ Take action by supporting a cause
There are numerous forms of injustice and inequality that persist worldwide. Now is the perfect time to explore and actively support a cause that holds significance for you or is prevalent in your own community.

⚡ Appreciate the freedom
Recognizing and valuing the freedom you have gained is extremely crucial. Embrace this newfound independence by responsibly indulging in activities that bring you joy. Perhaps you can explore different cuisines or travel to unfamiliar destinations alongside your loved ones. As a symbolic gesture, you could even release a caged bird to signify your freedom.

⚡ Spread awareness
Spread information about the history of Saint Barthélemy on social media and help increase awareness about the terrible injustice of slavery.

📅 When is Saint Barthélemy: Abolition Day?

View all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

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