National Unity Day is observed in Zimbabwe every December 22, commemorating the Unity Accord between the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). The accord, signed in 1987, aimed to end the violent clashes that had occurred between the two parties since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. ZAPU was founded in 1961 to fight for national liberation, while ZANU was formed in 1963 as a splinter group. National Unity Day was officially established in 1997 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Unity Accord. The holiday is celebrated nationwide with public speeches, official ceremonies, sporting events, and concerts, with the largest celebrations taking place in the capital city of Harare.