NATIONAL DAYS IN CAMEROON

 

 Have you ever thought of how holidays( national days) in other countries are celebrated? Some of those days in Cameroon are ”Youth Day”, ”Labour Day”, ”International Women’s Day” and “National Day.”  After having moved to Canada and experienced long weekends, I realized that the traditions around holidays are very different in comparing Canada to Cameroon. A large proportion of the people in Cameroon are Christian, so holidays such as Christmas and Easter are recognized the same way they are in Canada. However, other holidays throughout the year are viewed from a different perspective in Cameroon. I find that in Canada, many of the holidays, such as Labour Day or Victoria Day, have very little in the way of traditional events to acknowledge the reason for the holiday. Also, these days will always be scheduled to take place on a Monday, to allow people the opportunity to enjoy a three day weekend. This is certainly not a bad thing, since it allows people to spend timewith their families or friends.



 

It is a different story in Cameroon. For example, every city and village in the country will celebrate Labour Day by having a parade, in which staff from different companies will march, and they will prepare matching wardrobes to show the unity of the organization. Although it is considered a day off of work, people are still committed to march in the parade to represent their employer. Moreover, Labour Day takes place on May 1^st every year, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. It is a day of much socializing, where all the bars and restaurants are open, but the other shops and markets are closed.

The other national days in Cameroon are Youth Day on February 11^th, and National Day on May 20^th.  As with Labour Day, there is a parade on these holidays. People who represent various groups which meet the purpose of the day will dress in matching clothing prepared especially for the parade. There is one day that is recognized in most countries around the world, but is not a holiday in most places. This is International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8 every year. I was surprised to find that, in Canada, people do not celebrate this day with a statutory holiday as is done in Cameroon. Many women’s groups will march together and be recognized for the contribution they have made to the country and its workforce. Another surprise I didn’t expect in Canada is that many Canadians don’t know which day is International Women’s Day, and some don’t even know the day exists!!

I definitely find that many things are done differently in Canada. However, I think this is good, because how we celebrate different events, makes up a big part of how culture is shaped. People are usually proud of their homeland, and they are proud of their heritage, traditions and customs. I am proud to be a Cameroonian, and when I return home to visit, I tell my friends and family how proud I am, both to be from Cameroon, and to be living in my adopted country of Canada. I will forever miss “National Day”,” Youth Day”,” International Women’s Day” and “Labour Day” in Cameroon. National Days in Cameroon- days to remember.