Recurrence pattern: every year on November 28.

Proclamation of Independence Day is observed in East Timor every November 28, commemorating the anniversary of the declaration of independence from Portugal in 1975. This public holiday celebrates the unilateral declaration made by the leader of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), Francisco Xavier do Amaral, who became the first President of East Timor. Although the declaration was recognized by only six states at the time, the day is significant in East Timor’s history, marking the beginning of its struggle for independence. The decolonization process was influenced by the 1974 Portuguese revolution and was closely monitored by Indonesia and Australia. While East Timor was not internationally recognized as an independent state until May 20, 2002, Proclamation of Independence Day remains an important observance in the country.