Independence Day of Trinidad and Tobago is observed every August 31, commemorating the country's proclamation of independence from Great Britain in 1962. This Caribbean nation, consisting of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, celebrates the day with various public festivities, including military parades, open-air performances, church services, awards ceremonies, carnival-themed parties, and firework displays. The islands have a rich colonial history, having been ruled by multiple countries, including Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, before officially becoming a British colony in 1802. Independence Day is a public holiday, marking a significant moment in the nation's history following the collapse of the Federation of West Indies in 1962.