20/05/2026
Happy National Day
Cameroon National Day is on May 20th every year. For 2026 it falls on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. What it commemorates
May 20th marks the day in 1972 when Cameroonians voted in a referendum to abolish the federal system and create a unitary state, the _United Republic of Cameroon_. Before that, since independence in 1960-1961, Cameroon was a federation of French-speaking East Cameroon and English-speaking West Cameroon.
The official name changed again in 1984 to the _Republic of Cameroon_, but May 20th stayed as National Day How it’s celebrated
- Grand military and civilian parade in Yaoundé at the 20th May Boulevard, presided over by the President. Similar parades happen in all regional and divisional capitals.
- School and cultural displays: Students, cultural groups, and organizations march and perform.
- Speeches from government officials focusing on unity, peace, and national development.
- Public holiday: Schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed.
- National colors everywhere: Green, red, yellow, and the central star on the flag.
Theme
Each year has an official theme set by the government, usually centered on national unity, youth, and development. The 2025 theme was _“Army and Nation, United for a Cameroon Turned Towards Peace, Security and Prosperity, Why it matters
It’s the main day Cameroonians celebrate national unity and the idea of “One Cameroon”. In a country with over 250 ethnic groups and both English and French as official languages, the day focuses on living together despite differences. NABICCOL