Independence Day in Bahamas in 2020
How long until Independence Day?
This holiday next takes place in 361 days.
Dates of Independence Day in Bahamas
2021Bahamas Mon, Jul 12National Holiday
2020Bahamas Fri, Jul 10National Holiday
2019Bahamas Wed, Jul 10National Holiday
2018Bahamas Tue, Jul 10National Holiday
The Bahamas gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1973
When is Bahamas Independence Day?
Bahamian Independence Day is celebrated on 10 July.
If 10 July falls on either a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday.
This public holiday marks independence from the United Kingdom in 1973 and is the National Holiday of The Bahamas.
History of Bahamas Independence Day
Though there is some dispute as to the actual location, The Bahamas is the site of Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492.
The Bahamas became a British Crown colony in 1718 as a result of the British trying to suppress piracy in the region. Following the American war of independence, many British loyalists moved to The Bahamas, bolstering its British connections.
Moves toward independence didn't start until after the end of the second world war, with local political parties only forming in the 1950's. A new constitution giving more local autonomy came into effect in 1964. In 1967, The Bahamas achieved majority rule for the first time.
The British House of Lords voted to give The Bahamas its independence on 22 June 1973.
On 10 July 1973, The Bahamas was officially declared an independent nation when the documents relating to independence were delivered to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling by Prince Charles.
The Bahamas joined the Commonwealth of Nations on 10 July 1973.