Fenkil Day is observed in Eritrea every February 10, commemorating the Second Battle of Massawa, a significant event in the Eritrean War for Independence. This battle, part of the Fenkil Offensive launched by the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) on February 8, 1990, resulted in the capture of Massawa from Ethiopian forces. The EPLF's victory is regarded as a crucial step toward Eritrea's independence, which was formally achieved after a 30-year struggle that began in 1961. While Fenkil Day serves as an important remembrance day in Eritrea, it is not a public holiday. The observance reflects on the historical context of Eritrea's fight for autonomy, following its status as an Italian colony and later a British protectorate before being federated and subsequently annexed by Ethiopia.