Schedule for 40th Independence Day Revealed
The Twin-Island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary of independence from the British Empire on September 19, 2023. This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Growing Sustainably, Developing Maturely, and Building Resiliency: Independence 40.” The festivities are scheduled to take place between July 14 and October 15, 2023.
According to authorities, numerous events are planned throughout the Federation to commemorate the occasion. The event calendar includes a variety of cultural, patriotic, and community-focused activities. Below is the detailed schedule:
Friday, July 14
- Launch of the Independence 40 Calendar
Saturday, July 15
- Launch of National Song Competition
Thursday, July 20
- Conversations: Reflections and the Way Forward
Tuesday, August 1
Saturday, August 26
- National Tree Planting Day
Friday, September 1
- National Colours Day #1 (Wear Green)
- National Health Symposium
Saturday, September 2
- East Basseterre Festival 2023 (Sep 2 – Sep 30)
- Movements by SKNAAA
Monday, September 4
- New School Year Begins
Wednesday, September 6
- Seniors Fun Day
Thursday, September 7
- Cabinet Primary School Visits (East Zone)
- Nations League Game: St. Kitts and Nevis vs. Guadeloupe
Friday, September 8
- National Colours Day #2 (Wear Yellow)
- National Sneaker Day
- Cabinet Primary School Visits (West Zone)
Saturday, September 9
- Caribbean Wellness Walk (Nevis)
- Cultural Bar Crawl (Nevis)
- Movies of St. Kitts and Nevis NOPAC
- Independence Street Fair & Fashion Extravaganza (St. Kitts)
Monday, September 11
- Visits to Schools by Government Ministers (Nevis)
- Patriotic Programs and Treats for Schools
- Cabinet Primary School Visits (Basseterre Zone)
Tuesday, September 12
- School Visits by Government Ministers
- Patriotic Programs and Treats for Schools
- Prime Minister’s Lecture Series
Wednesday, September 13
- School Visits by Government Ministers
- Patriotic Programs and Treats for Schools
- Schools in Concert (Cultural Focus)
Thursday, September 14
- School Visits by Government Ministers (Nevis)
- Patriotic Programs and Independence Treat for Schools (Nevis)
- Cultural Night and Fashion Show (Nevis)
- Cabinet Visits to High Schools, AVEC & CFBC (St. Kitts)
Friday, September 15
- National Colours Day #3 (Wear Black)
- School Visits by Government Ministers, Patriotic Programs, and Independence Treat for Schools (Nevis)
- Launch of Commemorative Stamp Competition (St. Kitts and Nevis)
- Schools’ Patriotic Programs (St. Kitts)
Saturday, September 16
- National Heroes Day
- Community Day
- Inter-Organizational Sports Meet
- National Heroes Day Concert
- Heroes Day Observances and Community Flag Raising Ceremonies
- Wreath-Laying & Recognition Ceremony (C.A. Paul Southwell Bust)
- Lite Fitness Centre Classique Fitness Showcase
- Shades of Pink Event by Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Support Group
Sunday, September 17
- Independence Drag Race (Nevis)
- Nevis Symphonic Band Recital
- National Service of Gratitude & Gospel Concert
- Independence Heritage Expo
- “Summer in September” Fashion Show with Movado Modeling Agency
Monday, September 18
- Patriotic Day
- Ceremonial Night Parade
- Heritage Expo
- Independence Parade and Awards Ceremony
- Toast to the Nation
Tuesday, September 19 – Independence Day
- Family Fun Day
- Independence Cocktail Reception
- Governor-General’s Cocktail
- St. George’s Mothers Union Breakfast
- Bliss Beach by Carambola
- Independence Scenic Railway Tour
Friday, September 22
- National Colours Day #4 (Wear White)
- Drill Competition
Saturday, September 23
- Flowers, Food & Flag Event by St. Kitts Flower Arrangers Association
Sunday, September 24
- Independence Mini Triathlon
- “Schools on Steel” Steel Pan Recital
- Flamboyant Fashion Show
Thursday, September 28
- Youth Impact Awards
Friday, September 29
- National Colours Day #5 (Wear Red)
- Building Awareness for Change Parade
Saturday, September 30
- Brimstone Hill Run for the Fit & Fearless 2023
- Independence 40 Concert
Saturday, October 15
- Independence 40 Musical
These events aim to celebrate the culture, heritage, and spirit of St. Kitts and Nevis, marking four decades of independence with pride and unity.