Celebrating Independence: How Nationals Abroad Honor Their Pride

August is a month of patriotic pride for many nations worldwide. It’s during this time that numerous countries celebrating Independence Day in August mark the anniversaries of their freedom. From Africa’s wave of decolonization in 1960 to landmark 19th and 20th-century events in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, each Independence Day carries a unique historical significance. Yet beyond the parades and fireworks back home, what truly stands out is how expatriates, those living far from their homelands, keep their national spirit alive. They gather in foreign cities to sing national anthems, cook traditional meals, and even send financial support to loved ones, proudly displaying their flags.

Many of these countries have large migration communities (in the millions) who continue to engage with their heritage. These celebrations often attract local friends and global attention, highlighting how culture can connect communities. This blog will cover the independence history and diaspora celebrations of some of these countries, including Bolivia, India, Pakistan, Ukraine, and more, all of which have Independence Days that fall in August, each with unique stories. It’s a fascinating convergence of history and celebration.

Honoring Identity Across Continents

For many expatriates, celebrating Independence Day abroad is a poignant mix of joy and homesickness. It’s a day to remember their country’s struggles and triumphs, and to affirm “we haven’t forgotten where we come from.” They may wake up early to call family back home and exchange heartfelt greetings despite time zone differences. Thanks to modern technology, they can even watch live broadcasts of flag-hoisting ceremonies or parades happening in their homeland, feeling the patriotic fervor through a screen. Social media timelines light up with flags, anthems, and emotional posts as expats proudly share memories and wishes for their country. Many will dress in national colors or traditional attire as a personal statement of identity.

It’s common for diaspora households to play patriotic songs or cook special traditional meals that evoke the taste of home. In these simple yet meaningful acts, expats assert that distance is no barrier to patriotism. As one expert on diaspora communities notes, when migrants send support or greetings home, they are essentially saying, “I haven’t forgotten you… So don’t forget me either.” In other words, celebrating Independence Day abroad is a way for expats to maintain a two-way emotional bond with their homeland, honoring their roots while inviting their loved ones to keep them in mind, too.

Africa: A Continent’s August of Freedom

In Africa, the month of August 1960 was a watershed period. Notably, several African nations gained independence in that month of 1960. Most of these were former French colonies whose independence in 1960 marked the rapid end of colonial empires in West and Central Africa. For instance, August 1960 is often called “Africa’s Year” of independence. These new African nations inspired hope across the continent and fostered far-flung diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas.

Benin – August 1, 1960

The Republic of Benin (formerly French Dahomey) achieved full independence from France on August 1, 1960. After a transitional period as an autonomous republic, Dahomey’s leader, Hubert Maga, became the country’s first president upon independence. Benin’s Independence Day is now celebrated annually on this date as a national holiday.

Beninese expats celebrate with traditional music, dance, and food at community gatherings, much as they would back home, preserving Benin’s traditions abroad. Many also send money home so family can join the festivities, a gesture that shows their national pride, even far from home.

Burkina Faso (Former Upper Volta) – August 5, 1960

Burkina Faso declared independence from France on August 5, 1960, when it was still known as the Republic of Upper Volta. Independence leader Maurice Yaméogo became the country’s first president as Upper Volta emerged from French West Africa. In 1984, the nation was renamed Burkina Faso. Independence Day in Burkina Faso has been celebrated on August 5 every year since 1960 as a national holiday.

Burkinabè expats gather for prayers, traditional drumming and dance, and a communal meal of home-style food. Many send a gift or money home so relatives can celebrate too, honoring their homeland’s freedom even from afar. In doing so, they keep their national spirit alive overseas.

Ivory Coast – August 7, 1960

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) achieved its full independence from France on August 7, 1960. France agreed to Ivory Coast’s sovereignty in July 1960, and longtime independence leader Félix Houphouët-Boigny was elected as the new republic’s first president. Ivory Coast has observed August 7 as its national Independence Day every year since.

Ivorian expats host lively gatherings (especially in France, where many reside) with music, dance, and Ivorian cuisine. They often send well-wishes or funds back home to share the joy of the day, a vibrant display of national pride across borders.

Chad – August 11, 1960

Chad obtained independence from France on August 11, 1960, ending its status as part of French Equatorial Africa. The first president of independent Chad was François Tombalbaye, who had led the independence movement. This anniversary is now celebrated each year as a national holiday in Chad.

Chadian expats hold multicultural gatherings with traditional dances and shared meals of favorite dishes. They stay connected via calls and often send support home for local festivities. All these efforts help recreate the spirit of independence abroad, keeping their national spirit alive overseas.

Gabon – August 17, 1960

Gabon formally achieved independence from France on August 17, 1960, with Léon M’ba as the young nation’s first prime minister (later president). This marked the end of French Equatorial Africa and the birth of the Gabonese Republic. The date has been celebrated annually as Gabon’s Independence Day since 1960.

Gabonese expats in cities like London and New York throw vibrant parties with dance music and Gabonese dishes. Many video-call family and send extra money so relatives can celebrate back home, sharing Gabon’s spirit internationally. Through such celebrations, they ensure the joy of independence is shared across borders.

Americas: Recalling 19th-Century Liberations

Across the Americas, August sees two significant independence anniversaries. Specifically, Bolivia and Uruguay declared their independence in August 1825, amid Latin America’s broader liberation era. These independence movements were inspired by figures like Simón Bolívar (in Bolivia) and by regional struggles against colonial and imperial powers. Both countries’ expats continue to honor these August dates vibrantly from abroad.

Bolivia – August 6, 1825

Bolivia declared its independence from Spanish colonial rule on August 6, 1825, after a 16-year liberation war across Upper Peru. Independence was proclaimed at a congress in Chuquisaca (now Sucre), and the new country was named in honor of Simón Bolívar. Bolivia’s first president, Simón Bolívar himself, took office later that year. Bolivia’s Independence Day (Día de la Patria) has since been celebrated every August 6 as a public holiday.

Bolivian expats host folk dance shows, wave the tricolor flag, and attend Mass for their homeland. They connect via livestream to La Paz’s festivities (parades and the President’s speech) and often send warm wishes or funds to loved ones, ensuring Bolivia’s spirit thrives overseas. This demonstrates their unwavering national pride even while abroad.

Uruguay – August 25, 1825

Uruguay’s Independence Day on August 25 commemorates its 1825 Declaration of Independence from the Empire of Brazil. On that day, a group of revolutionaries known as the “Thirty-Three Orientals” declared Uruguay independent, sparking a war that led to international recognition in 1828. Uruguay had earlier been a Spanish territory and then briefly part of Brazil. The date of August 25 has been celebrated annually as Uruguay’s National Day since then.

Uruguayan expats celebrate with asados (barbecues) and shared mate, sometimes enjoying tango or candombe. They raise the flag at embassy ceremonies, call home, and may send a little money so family in Uruguay can enjoy the holiday too. In doing so, they keep their national spirit alive overseas and ensure Uruguay’s heritage is honored abroad.

Asia: Midnight’s Children and Post-Colonial Dawn

Asia’s August independence commemorations are among the most renowned. Four major Asian countries mark birthdays this month: India and Pakistan (1947), Indonesia (1945), and Malaysia (1957). These milestones represent both the triumph over colonialism (as with India, Pakistan, and Malaya) and the formation of new nations amid global post-war change. The scale of these celebrations is immense; the Indian and Pakistani diasporas alone number in the tens of millions, forming vibrant communities abroad.

Pakistan – August 14, 1947

Pakistan was established as an independent state on August 14, 1947, at the end of British colonial rule in India. This day commemorates Pakistan’s freedom and its creation as a separate country for the Muslims of the subcontinent (following the Partition of British India). Muhammad Ali Jinnah became Pakistan’s first Governor-General at independence. Pakistan’s Independence Day has been celebrated every August 14 since 1947 as a national holiday.

Pakistani expats worldwide (from London to Dubai to New York) drape themselves in green and white on August 14. They hold flag ceremonies, cultural shows, and share sweet and savory treats. Families exchange greetings by phone, and many send money home so loved ones can join the festivities, making Pakistan’s national pride shine globally. By day’s end, their gatherings abroad echo the patriotic fervor felt in Pakistan.

India – August 15, 1947

India’s Independence Day, August 15, 1947, marks the end of nearly 200 years of British colonial rule. At midnight on that date, India became a free nation (while British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan). Jawaharlal Nehru became independent India’s first Prime Minister. August 15 has been celebrated annually as India’s Independence Day ever since.

Indian expats parade through global city streets with flags and floats, and host cultural programs and potlucks of Indian delicacies. They also video-chat with family, and many send gifts or money home so relatives can celebrate too, uniting Indians worldwide in pride.

Indonesia – August 17, 1945

Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945, when nationalist leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the end of Dutch colonial rule. The Dutch did not officially recognize Indonesia’s independence until 1949 after a four-year war. August 17, 1945, is celebrated as Hari Merdeka, Indonesia’s Independence Day, commemorating the birth of the Republic of Indonesia.

Indonesian expats commemorate August 17 with embassy flag-raisings and lomba (games like cracker-eating contests and sack races) for kids. They wear batik, share dishes like nasi tumpeng, sing “Indonesia Raya,” and often send a gift or money home so family can enjoy the holiday as well. This helps keep the Merdeka spirit alive globally and demonstrates their national pride even while abroad.

Malaysia – August 31, 1957

Malaysia’s Independence Day (known as Hari Merdeka) falls on August 31, commemorating the Federation of Malaya’s independence from Britain in 1957. Malaysia, as a larger federation, was formed in 1963, but the national day continues to mark the 1957 event. Malaya’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, famously declared “Merdeka!” on August 31, 1957, to cheering crowds. August 31 has been celebrated every year since 1957 as Malaysia’s national day.

Malaysian expats mark Hari Merdeka with embassy flag-hoisting and potluck parties featuring satay and curry, reflecting their multiethnic unity. Many watch the Merdeka Parade online and phone home, and some even remit a bit of money to help parents celebrate. United by the shout of “Merdeka!”, they prove Malaysia’s patriotic flame can span oceans.

Europe: Traditions of Nationhood in August

Europe’s Independence and national days in August range from medieval commemorations to late-20th-century breakaways. This includes Switzerland’s founding (1291) celebrated on August 1, the National Day of Hungary on August 20, and modern independence days for Ukraine (1991), Moldova (1991), and Cyprus (1960) later in the month. Europe’s August observances range from ancient traditions of statehood (as in Switzerland and Hungary) to the post-Cold War emergence of new nations from former empires (as in Ukraine, Moldova, and Cyprus).

Switzerland – August 1, 1291 (National Day)

Switzerland’s National Day on August 1 commemorates the Federal Charter of 1291 – the founding pact uniting three Alpine cantons against Habsburg rule. According to tradition, the charter was signed in early August 1291 in the Rütli Meadow, an event seen as the birth of the Swiss Confederation. August 1 has been celebrated as Switzerland’s National Day since 1891 (and as an official public holiday since 1994).

Swiss expats light bonfires or lanterns on August 1, gather for barbecues with sausages and cheese, and children carry paper lanterns bearing the white cross while everyone sings the anthem. They often watch Swiss fireworks via live stream and toast with Swiss wine, ensuring the national spirit burns bright abroad. United by their traditions, the Swiss diaspora feels like one big family on this night.

Cyprus – August 16, 1960

Cyprus gained independence from Britain on August 16, 1960, following the Zürich and London Agreements earlier that year. Archbishop Makarios III became independent Cyprus’s first President. Cyprus later chose to officially celebrate Independence Day on October 1 each year, for convenience. August 16, 1960, remains the day the Republic of Cyprus was born, ending 82 years of British colonial rule.

Cypriot expats treat the August 16 independence anniversary low-key (official festivities are on October 1). They might say a prayer or note it online, but they largely celebrate with friends during the October holiday. Still, they call family and sometimes send money home in honor of 1960, quietly cherishing their independence abroad.

Hungary – August 20 (St. Stephen’s Day)

Hungary’s national holiday on August 20, St. Stephen’s Day, commemorates the establishment of the Hungarian state over 1,000 years ago. It honors King Stephen I, who unified the Magyar tribes and was crowned in the year 1000 A.D. August 20 also became Stephen’s feast day when he was canonized in 1083. Today, August 20, is celebrated in Hungary as Constitution Day and the Day of the Foundation of the State, with fireworks and festivities along the Danube.

Hungarian expats celebrate August 20 by attending Mass and sharing gulyás and new bread at community picnics. They watch Budapest’s fireworks online and toast “Éljen Magyarország!” (Long live Hungary!) while staying in touch with family all day. Hungary’s statehood is thus honored even on distant shores, and in doing so, they keep their national spirit alive overseas.

Ukraine – August 24, 1991

Ukraine’s Independence Day on August 24 marks the 1991 Act of Declaration of Independence, when Ukraine broke away from the collapsing Soviet Union. The declaration was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in Kyiv and later confirmed by a public referendum. Leonid Kravchuk became the first President of an independent Ukraine. August 24, 1991, has been celebrated every year since as Ukraine’s Independence Day, even amid challenges.

Ukrainian expats deck out in blue and yellow on August 24, holding folk dance concerts and potlucks of varenyky (dumplings) and borscht. They often turn the day into a fundraiser or vigil for Ukraine, watch the Kyiv parade live via stream, call home to celebrate, and send extra funds or donations to support their homeland. This demonstrates Ukraine’s resilience and pride globally, carrying forward hope and heritage despite the distance.

Moldova – August 27, 1991

Moldova declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991, during the breakup of the USSR. The Moldovan parliament’s Declaration of Independence followed decades as the Moldavian SSR. Independence was overwhelmingly confirmed by a referendum in 1991. Mircea Snegur became the first President of independent Moldova. August 27 has been celebrated annually as Moldova’s Independence Day since 1991.

Moldovan expats often join Romanian friends for picnics, sharing mămăligă, sarmale, and Moldovan wine while dancing the Hora under their tricolor. They all call home on August 27, and many send money so the family can have a special meal or attend a concert in Moldova. In this way, they keep Moldova’s hope and heritage alive abroad, carrying forward their small homeland’s spirit despite the distance.

Staying Connected: Expats and National Pride

Across all these countries and communities, a common thread emerges: distance does not diminish devotion. On their respective Independence Days, expats transform foreign streets and living rooms into microcosms of home, filled with familiar aromas, songs, and languages. They gather with compatriots, share laughter and sometimes tears of nostalgia, and often send remittances or digital gifts to bridge the gap with those back home. We at sendvalu are here to help you fill that gap, allowing you to send a monetary gift that funds a family gathering or buy fireworks for a community event back home. By using sendvalu, you can ensure your loved ones can partake in the festivities, making the miles between them fade away.

Their stories differ in detail but share common themes of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. By some estimates, over a billion dollars in remittances are sent around national holidays each year, underscoring how expats’ patriotism also contributes materially to their homelands’ festivities and well-being. Ultimately, the diaspora’s efforts show that national pride transcends borders. Each time they wave a flag, cook a traditional dish, or sing an anthem abroad, they are reminding the world and themselves that home is never truly lost, but carried in their hearts. In the end, whether gathered in a big city or a small town abroad, these celebrations speak to an enduring love of country that distance only deepens.

Independence Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is an emotional time that rekindles national pride, nostalgia, and a sense of unity with our homeland. Even while oceans and continents away, migrants find heartfelt and creative ways to honor their national pride from afar, stay connected to their national identity, and celebrate these milestones through community gatherings, cultural traditions, remittances, digital gifts, and acts of remembrance.

See how you can send money, mobile top-ups, and digital gifts to loved ones around the world by exploring all supported countries.

Sources:

Britannica – History & Society

Time and Date – Independence Day Worldwide

AnyDayGuide – Public and National Holidays Around the World

Wikipedia – List of national independence days

Wikipedia – Timeline of national independence