Sue,

I am very intrigued at your interest in Tanzania. I am a Tanzanian living in the States and I miss home very much.

Siku ya Uhuru, "Independence Day" is a national holiday in Tanzania and is the single most important event in our short history after the Unification day (April 15th, I think, when Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form Tanzania).

The country is young relative to the United States and other countries. We obtained Independence in 1961, in what is considered one of the most peaceful transitions in African history. The then young gentleman, Mwalimu (teacher) Julius K. Nyerere made a trip to New York and made his case for the country's bid for independence. And according to the charter, the assembly provided the time table for hand over of power.

On the actual day, Dec 9th, there were fireworks, jubilation and excitement in Dar es Salaam. The official celebrations were held at the National Stadium (olympic style stadium), and simultaneously, there was a torch taken to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The torch was to assert our country's determination to facillitate other African countries' independence struggles. It is a beacon of hope, freedom, in Swahili, "Mwenge wa Uhuru", meaning Torch of Freedom. The policy was followed vehemently by the administration at the time and as a result, Tanzania has fostered great relationships with its neighbors and beyond.

Independence day in Tanzania is a great day where the old generation share stories with the younger generations, exchanging stories about our founding fathers, specifically the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere who is revered even beyond his passing. Tanzanians are easy going people, and Independence day is not different with jokes being thrown everywhere, and when laughter is the order of the day. A lot of livestock will succumb on this day, unfortunately, cows, goats, chickens and the like. Meat, a lot of delicacies, Ugali, Pilau and so on. The feast is simply amazing, the likes of Thanks Giving celebrated in North America.

This year is especialy significant as we celebrate 45 years under a free Tanzania. I am sadly not going to be there to celebrate. But I am very pleased that it has fallen on a weekend, and I will do justice to it.

Constantine.

Constantine -
In my search for information about life and culture in Tanzania, you have provided some wonderful insights. Asante sana. Ninashukuru.

Like you, I also miss Tanzania very much, and want to go "home" -- though Tanzania is my newly adopted second home after a recent mission trip and a stay with a wonderful family in Seela. Do you know where Seela is? Between Arusha and Usa and a bit north towards Mt. Meru.

So, when was the last time you were able to celebrate Independence Day in Tanzania?

Sue

Kidokezo: Tembelea tovuti ya www.ippmedia.com for newspaper coverage in both English and Kiswahili [although not necessarily always the same news item(s)] Current events such as SIkukuu ya Uhuru are covered regularly.

Constantine: How would you say, informally, in Kiswahili "I miss Tanzania a lot."

Pamoja na hayo, pole kwa kutojisikia nyumbani siku ya Uhuru!