On Friday, September 25, 2026, Armed Forces Day will be celebrated in Mozambique as a national public holiday, providing an opportunity for workers and residents of the country to mark the day with a day off.
In Mozambique, the Dia das Forças Armadas is celebrated as a national holiday every year.
September 25th is a national holiday in Mozambique and is commemorated as the day the country’s armed struggle for national liberation began.
September 25, 2026 is also a Friday, adding to the typical two-day weekend for many.
The holiday calendar indicates that it is a public holiday and that schools and most businesses will be closed.
Armed Forces Day is associated with the beginning of the armed liberation movement of Mozambique from Portuguese colonial rule.
After years of armed struggle by the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), the nation became independent from Portugal on June 25, 1975.
The official information portal of the government has said that September 25 marks the day when the armed liberation movement began.
In addition to Heroes’ Day (3rd February), Mozambican Women’s Day (7th April), International Workers’ Day (1st May), Independence Day (25th June) and Victory Day (7th September), the holiday is part of Mozambique’s annual calendar of national holidays.
Peace & Reconciliation Day is celebrated on 4th October.
On September 7, the country also celebrated Patriotism Day, to mark the signing of the Lusaka Accords that led to Mozambique’s independence.
The residents are expected to get a break from routine government, school and business functions on September 25, due to the holiday.
But essential services and businesses that are normally open on public holidays will still be open.
Armed Forces Day is followed by the next national public holiday (Peace and Reconciliation Day) on October 4. The date in 2026 is on a Sunday.
Mexico, on the other hand, will be celebrating its Independence Day on September 16.