Holidays

This holiday is celebrated on October 1st. It marks Nigeria's proclamation of independence from British rule on October 1st, 1960.  This is a federal holiday so all have the day off of work and spend the day celebrating with their family. There is a large celebration in Freedom Park in Lagos. Freedom Park has a week of festivals. It is called the Freedom Party.  Some other traditional celebrations are military displays in Abjua and other major cities. Nigeria has different spaces dedicated to their independence like Tinubu Square which was originally called Independence Square. Another important location is Tafawa Balewa Square which is where the country's independence was first announced by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. 

Nigeria celebrates New Year's very vibrantly and it is a very memorable experience. Nigerians celebrate with prayers, parties, and fireworks lighting up Lagos and Abuja. Cities have many different parties that count down until the clock strikes twelve. Nigeria has big fireworks displays that family and friends gather to watch. Nigeria also has big religious observances for New Year's. Churches will hold services that include prayer, worship, and reflections into the early hours of January 1st. Mosques will also hold night prayers and gather into the new year with devotion.  Rice is a common staple during New Year's celebrations like Basmati Fried Rice.