State Holiday

Declaration of Independence Day

State Holiday

Declaration of Independence Day is a state public holiday in Melaka. It commemorates February 20, 1956, the day when Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, announced the date of the Federation of Malaya's independence at Padang Pahlawan (Warrior's Field) in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, after returning from successful negotiations in London.

Traditions & Celebrations

Commemorative Gathering: State leaders and the public gather at Padang Pahlawan or the Independence Declaration Memorial for a reenactment of the historic announcement.
Patriotic Parades: Marches by NGOs, students, and government agencies to instill a sense of pride and history.
Historical Exhibitions: Museums in Melaka often hold special galleries showcasing artifacts and documents related to the independence mission.
Cultural Performances: Traditional dances and songs are performed to celebrate Melaka's pivotal role in Malaysia's journey to sovereignty.

Upcoming Dates

Year	Date	Day	Status
2026	February 20, 2026	Friday	33 days