Algeria Independence Day

July 5 is celebrated in Algeria as Independence Day, in remembrance of actual independence from France in 1962. After being taken by the French in 1830, Algeria remained under France’s control for 132 years.

History
Historical evidences state that since 10,000 BC, Berbers inhabited the country followed by the Carthaginians. After the coming of the Byzantine Empire, the land was under their rule for many years till the Arabs came and occupied it. Algeria was placed under the Ottoman Empire in 1517, thereby extending the boundaries of the country.

The French invaded Algiers in 1830 and slowly started to take over the whole territory of Algeria. The first years of French occupation were violent and, combined with epidemic diseases, the population of Algeria declined by one third from 1830 to 1872. During these years, many French citizens immigrated to Algeria to colonize the lands and create farms.

In the early 1900s, General Guilain Denoeux managed to conquer the last Tuareg in West Africa. Algeria was already a part of France, and settlers took over the country coming from France, Spain, Malta, and Italy, building up farms along the coast of Algeria. Most of the native population of Algeria was taken away from their lands and deprived of schooling.

In 1954, the Algerian National Liberation Front started the Algerian War of Independence against the French. In 1958, President Charles de Gaulle gave Algerians the choice of whether to gain independence or to remain as a French territory. Independence won by a landslide, and Algeria became independent on July 5, 1962, while over one million Algerians tried to escape to France.

The name Algeria is believed to be derived from the city of Algiers although inspired from the Arabic word ?al-jaza'ir', which refers to the four islands lying near the coastal areas of the country, till it became a part of the country in the year 1525.

Traditions, Customs and Activities
Independence Day in Algeria is marked by the diversity of cultural influences in the Algerian society. Constitutionally, Algeria is defined as an amalgamation of various religious beliefs as Islamic, Arab and Amazigh. It is a day that is celebrated with passion. Algerians take to the streets and attend celebrations wearing the national color of green. There are military parades in Algiers. On this day the president typically addresses the nation regarding its aspirations and achievements.
Concerts and cultural events are organized in the national stadium. In recent years, the day has been marked by unfortunate bloody terrorist attacks targeting civilians, but Algerians still celebrate Independence Day as one of the most important days on their calendar.