National Heroes and Heroines Day (Anguilla)

National Heroes and Heroines Day is a public holiday in Anguilla, and it is observed on December 19 each year. The holiday commemorates those people who played important roles making Anguilla a better place to live.

The holiday origianlly commemorates the official separation of Anguilla from Saint Kitts and Nevis on December 19, 1980. The territory consists of the main island of Anguilla, and a number of surrounding small islands and cays.

In 1650, English settlers from Saint Kitts started to settle on the islands and Anguilla became a British colony. It was administrated together with other islands during the early colonial period. In 1962, Anguilla gained full internal autonomy together with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

In 1967, Anguilla declared the separation from Saint Kitts and Nevis following a referendum. However, only on December 19, 1980, Anguilla was allowed to formally secede from Saint Kitts and Nevis and become a separate British Crown colony.

After years of celebration with the name of Separation Day, people renamed the holiday as National Heroes and Heroines Day.

The festival takes place cross the island and many celebrations inlcuding parades, musical performances and traditional food fairs were held during the festival.

The following is the list of National Heroes and Heroines Day in Anguilla from 2022 to 2026.