Revolution and Youth Day in Tunisia Date in the current year: January 14, 2026

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had ruled Tunisia since 1987. His government was characterized by the oppression of political opposition; therefore, riots in Tunisia were quite rare. However, many people suffered from poor living conditions, unemployment, corruption, food inflation, and a lack of political freedoms.

On December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a 26-year-old street vendor, set himself on fire in protest of a policewoman confiscating his cart and produce. This act sparked a series of street demonstrations.

The wave of social and political unrest lasted four weeks. On January 14, 2011, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was ousted and fled the country. Inspired by the Tunisian Revolution, similar protests occurred throughout the Arab world, collectively referred to as the Arab Spring.

January 14 was proclaimed a public holiday in Tunisia. It was named Revolution and Youth Day, as most of the protesters were young people fighting for a better future. In 2021, it was moved to December 17 to commemorate the self-immolation of Bouazizi, which sparked the revolution.