Journée Nationale Maoré is observed in the Comoros on November 12. This holiday is significant in relation to the history of the Union of the Comoros and its ties with France. It commemorates the events surrounding the independence referendum held in 1974, where the three islands of Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan voted for independence, while Mayotte voted against it. The Comoros declared independence from France on July 6, 1975, and all four islands were admitted to the United Nations on November 12, 1975. However, Mayotte remains a French overseas department. In 2005, the European Union designated November 12 as Journée Nationale Maoré to oppose France's presence in Mayotte, and in 2006, the Comoros officially recognized it as a public holiday across its islands.