When is Lebanese Independence Day?
How long until Independence Day? | ||
| This holiday next takes place in 14 Days. | ||
Dates of Independence Day | ||
| Year | Weekday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Sunday | November 22nd |
| 2019 | Friday | November 22nd |
| 2018 | Thursday | November 22nd |
| 2017 | Wednesday | November 22nd |
| 2016 | Tuesday | November 22nd |
| 2015 | Monday | November 23rd |
Duration | ||
| 1 Day | ||
Status | ||
| National Day | ||
Summary | ||
| Marks Lebanon's independence from France in 1943 | ||
On this day in 1943, Lebanon’s constitutionally elected leaders were released from detention by French occupation forces after their commanders backed down and accepted the independence of Lebanon.
Hence 22 November came to be Independence Day. It is Lebanon's National Day, a day when the Lebanese people remember their freedom with speeches, parades and flags.
History of Lebanese Independence Day
After the Vichy government assumed power in France in 1940, General Henri-Fernand Dentz was appointed high commissioner of Lebanon. This appointment led to the resignation of Emile Iddi on 4 April 1941. Five days later, Dentz appointed Alfred Naqqash (also given as Naccache or Naccash) as head of state. The Vichy government's control ended a few months later when its forces were unable to repel the advance of French and British troops into Lebanon and Syria. An armistice was signed in Acre on 14 July 1941.
After signing the Acre Armistice, General Charles de Gaulle visited Lebanon, officially ending Vichy control. Lebanese national leaders took the opportunity to ask de Gaulle to end the French Mandate and unconditionally recognize Lebanon's independence. As a result of national and international pressure, on 26 November 1941, General Georges Catroux, delegate general under de Gaulle, proclaimed the independence of Lebanon in the name of his government.
The United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, the Arab states, and certain Asian countries recognized this independence, and some of them exchanged ambassadors with Beirut. However, even though the French technically recognized Lebanon's independence, they continued to exercise authority.
General elections were held, and on 21 September 1943. On 8 November 1943, the Chamber of Deputies amended the Constitution, abolishing the articles that referred to the Mandate and modifying those that specified the powers of the high commissioner, thus unilaterally ending the Mandate. The French authorities responded by arresting a number of prominent Lebanese politicians, including the president, the prime minister, and other cabinet members, and exiling them to the Castle of Rashayya (located about sixty-five kilometers east of Sidon). This action united the Christian and Muslim leaders in their determination to get rid of the French.
France, finally yielding to mounting internal pressure and to the influence of Britain, the United States, and the Arab countries, released the prisoners at Rashayya on 22 November 1943; since then, this day has been celebrated as Independence Day.
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