Heroes' Day in Mozambique Date in the current year: February 3, 2024

The war of independence with Portugal began in 1961 in Angola. In 1962 the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) was formed to fight the independence of the Portuguese Overseas Province of Mozambique. The conflict in Mozambique outbroke only in 1964 as the result of unrest and frustration amongst indigenous people.

Eduardo Mondlane was one of the most important persons in War of Independence. He began the campaign of guerrilla warfare to achieve independence for his country. Mondlane was killed on February 3, 1969 by explosives smuggled into his locale. There were several versions about his death, including sending a parcel with a book containing an explosive device to Mondlane by the Portuguese secret police. The investigation revealed that Mondlane was killed by Lazaro Kavandame, FRELIMO leader in Cabo Delgado. Kavandame didn't refuse, that he didn't trust Mondlane and saw him as a too conservative leader.

Eduardo Mondlane's day of death was chosen as Heroes' Day in Mozambique. This is a public holiday and it features military parades. The representatives of different political groups deliver speeches. The Mozambicans pay tribute to Eduardo Mondlane, Samora Machel, the first president of Mozambique, and other people and organizations, that fought for independence of the country.