National Heroes’ Day
National Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Jamaica observed on the third Monday in October.
Why is National Heroes’ Day important
Award ceremonies also take place each year to honour and reward those who have made an outstanding contribution to Jamaica and Jamaican society. National Heroes’ Day was first celebrated as a public holiday in Jamaica on Monday 20 October and replaced Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday.
How to observe National Heroes’ Day
The day is marked by various celebrations including flag-raising and tree-planting ceremonies, concerts, and services to commemorate the heroes.
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The holiday commemorates seven national heroes from Jamaican history:
- Marcus Garvey, 1887-1940, born in St. Ann. The international figure who promoted the concept of black pride and black power
- Sir Alexander Bustmante, 1884-1977, born in Hanover. Extraordinary labor leader, Jamaica’s first prime minister.
- Norman Washington Manley, 1893-1969, born in Manchester. Lawyer, at the forefront of Jamaica’s nationalist movement.
- Samuel Sharpe, 1801-1832. Slave leader, Baptist Deacon, hanged for his role in Christmas Rebellion of 1831-1832.
- Paul Bogle, d.o.b.uncertain – 1865. Native Baptist Deacon, peasant leader, hanged for his role in Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865.
- George William Gordon, 1815-1865, born in St. Andrew. Champion of rights for small settlers. Hanged for his role in the Morant Bay
Rebellion. - Nanny of the Maroons. Freedom fighter, spiritual and military leader of the eastern Maroons.
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Reference Sites
- Non-Profits website for the observance
