National Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Cameroon

Every 20 May it is National Day in the African state of Cameroon. This day does not celebrate independence, for French Cameroon became independent on 1 January 1960. And in 1961, British Cameroon joined the new state, but it was not fully integrated. A kind of “federated” system existed that prevented full national unity of the two Cameroons.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2025	20 May	Tue	National Day
2026	20 May	Wed	National Day
2027	20 May	Thu	National Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

But on 20 May, 1972, all that changed. On that date, the federated system was eliminated in favour of full national unity. Thus, the holiday is called “National” Day.

School children sing and march in patriotic parades on National Day, and many political figures give speeches. The president of Cameroon is the official head over National Day, and the governors and local leaders have responsibility to preside over the celebrations in their respective regions and localities.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2024	20 May	Mon	National Day
2023	20 May	Sat	National Day