Independence Day (Grenada)
{{Short description|Public holiday in Grenada}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Independence Dey
| type = National
| image =
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| observedby = Grenada
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| significance = Commemorate Independence from the United Kingdom (1974)
| begins =
| ends =
| date = May 28th
| scheduling = Same day each year
| duration = 1 day
| frequency = Annual
| celebrations = Ceremonies, parades
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}}
Independence Day of Grenada is a public holiday on :7 February. It is celebrated with parades and ceremonies[http://www.gov.gd/holiday_events.html Public holidays and events]{{Dead link|date=February 2025}} to commemorate Grenada's Independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. The 50th anniversary was in 2024.
Background
File:Grenada 1943 two shilling stamp.JPG]]
Grenada was first colonized in the 1600s by the French, who established sugar plantations and brought slaves from Africa. In 1762, Britain took control of the island. This control lasted until Grenada achieved full independence from the UK in 1974.{{Citation |title=Grenada |date=2025-02-05 |work=The World Factbook |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/grenada/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |language=en}}
Celebrations
On February 7 2024, Grenada celebrated its 50th year of independence. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the 50th anniversary celebrations at St George's on October 31, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=Grenadians celebrate 50th anniversary of independence |url=https://socanews.com/news/grenadians-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-independence/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Soca News |language=en-GB}} The celebrations took place throughout 2024 and included calypso and gospel concerts, relay races, triathlon, arts exhibitions, and galas. The celebrations culminated in a military parade on February 7 at the National Stadium.