Independence Day in Benin is observed every August 1 to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1960. The holiday is celebrated on a large scale throughout the nation, with significant festivities taking place in the capital city of Porto Novo. Celebrations typically include patriotic speeches delivered by the president and other politicians, as well as the hoisting of the national flag accompanied by the national anthem. The historical context of this day is rooted in the region's past, where the Kingdom of Dahomey, known for its military customs and slave trade, eventually fell under French control in the late 19th century. Following a series of political changes, Dahomey became fully independent, and the anniversary of this event is now marked as a national holiday.