Independence Day in Saint Kitts and Nevis is observed on September 19 every year, marking the country's independence from the United Kingdom, which was proclaimed in 1983. This public holiday is celebrated in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a small island nation located in the West Indies and part of the Leeward Islands. The islands were originally discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1423 and later became British colonies, with Saint Kitts ceded to Britain in 1713 and Nevis earlier in 1628. The islands were incorporated into the British Leeward Islands colony in 1833 and later joined the West Indies Federation in 1958. The celebration of Independence Day typically includes various national events and activities that honor the history and culture of the islands.