Saba Day 2023: On the island of Saba, the first Friday of December is Saba Day, which is a legal holiday. Saba’s flag, song, and coat of arms show how proud the people are of their country on this day. With only 5 square miles of land, it is the smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles. Even though the Dutch have been in charge of the island since 1816, it is independent. When people in Saba celebrate Saba Day, they do a lot of fancy things like events, festivals, and award ceremonies to honor famous people from the island. Let’s find out more about what comes next!
What Saba Day Has Done In The Past
The story goes that Columbus saw this place as one of the islands he was exploring in 1493. But he chose not to go out on the water because the shores were covered with dangerous volcanic rocks. A crew of Englishmen arrived on the island after their ship sank more than 150 years later, in 1632. However, history records show that the people who lived othere at that time were Arawak Indians.
After three years, an unknown Frenchman claimed Saba for King Louis XIII of France. Around 1640, the Dutch West India Company sent people from the nearby island of St. Eustatius to take control of the area. It didn’t last long, though. Sir Henry Morgan, a famous English free sailor, kicked out all the Dutch settlers on St. Maarten in 1664.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the country’s economy did very well because it made sugar and rum. Later, it switched its focus to lobster fishing as a trade. England dumped “undesirable” people on Saba, so it didn’t take long for the island to become a great place for pirates to hide. People soon got permission to trade and sail, though, and most of the men sailed. At this time, Saba lace, which island women produced, also gained popularity in Europe.
During the time of Napoleon, the British ruled it and made life hard for the Dutch. In 1816, the Dutch took back control of the island before anyone else. It has been a special town in the Dutch kingdom ever since.
What To Do on this Day
Go to Saba
Right now is one of the best times to go to Saba. You can learn about the island’s customs and see them in all their glory.
Enjoy the celebrations
On Saba, people celebrate Saba Day with music shows, carnivals, barbecues, sports events, and other things. You don’t want to miss the fun!
See an event where the flag is raised.
All over the country, Saba villages hold ceremonies to raise the flag. Going to one of these ceremonies would be a great way to honor the holiday.
National Cookie Cutter Day 2023: Date, History and 5 Interesting Facts
What You Need To Know
The special sign
It’s true that until the 1920s, the country saw “a green cabbage” as a sign of its freedom, which sounds funny.
Teenage designer
Edmond Daniel Johnson, who is 18 years old, came up with the idea for Saba’s flag.
The shortest track
There is no longer a longer business runway in the world than Saba’s, which is only 1,300 feet long.
Saba’s largest city
The city of Saba is called “The Bottom.” Isn’t that a fun name?
She was a pure queen.
Saba has been called “The Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean because of its ecotourism programs.
What We Love About this Day
Have a nice long weekend!
Since the holiday is on a Friday, you can rest or have fun over the long weekend. You pick how to spend it.
A chance to learn about Saban culture
When you visit Saba, this Day is the best time to really experience the culture. You can eat real Saban food, dance to local music, play local sports, see bright parades, and do a lot more.
Learn about the past of the Caribbean
During this trip, you can learn a bit about the past of the Florida Keys. Learn as much as you can.
SABA DAY IN SABA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 2 | Friday |
| 2023 | December 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 6 | Friday |
| 2025 | December 5 | Friday |
| 2026 | December 4 | Friday |
