Derg Downfall Day 2025
Date: May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Ethiopia Public Holidays
Description
Derg Downfall Day is a national holiday in Ethiopia that remembers the end of the Derg regime. It marks a change in government and honors the idea of moving away from a violent and repressive rule toward a different future.
The day is observed every year on May 28. It commemorates the day in 1991 when forces opposing the Derg entered the capital and the regime fell. That date is kept as a fixed annual remembrance across the country.
This holiday is important because the Derg governed Ethiopia from 1974 to 1991. Its time in power included harsh policies, the Red Terror when many people were killed or imprisoned, and periods of great suffering for ordinary families.
Derg Downfall Day is significant as a moment of national memory. It gives people a chance to honor those who suffered, to recognize a major turning point in Ethiopian history, and to reflect on hopes for peace, justice, and rebuilding the nation.
Traditions
On Derg Downfall Day people gather in squares and at memorials. They lay flowers, light candles, and hold moments of silence for those who suffered. Public speeches, poetry readings, and documentary screenings help families remember together in a calm way.
Communities clean parks and maintain monuments. School groups and youth often organize plays and musical performances that include traditional songs and dances. Local artists display paintings and photos that show stories from the past.
Food plays a big role. Families and community kitchens serve injera with doro wat and spiced vegetables. Coffee ceremonies are shared, with people talking quietly and offering blessings. Simple shared meals help people feel close and heal together.
Travel Tips
Many government offices, banks, and some museums close for Derg Downfall Day. Public transport and roads can be crowded or rerouted. Check with your hotel for road closures, carry ID and cash, and allow extra travel time to reach sites.
Attend public events with a friend, keep valuables safe, and follow police or organizer instructions. Buy food and water from busy stalls early. Visit parks, open cafes, or guided tours for a calm experience. Respect local rules and stay aware of exits.