Located on the eastern fringes of the Indonesian archipelago, Timor Leste (East Timor) was the first country to become a sovereign state in the 21st century following its independence from Indonesia (and before that, from Portugal). The struggle for statehood was never easy, as it was marked with violence that left a hundred thousand dead, and crippled East Timor’s economy significantly that today the country is still reeling from the aftereffects of Indonesian occupation.
But if you brave the Timorese bureaucracy (and inroads from Indonesia) and come here, you will be rewarded with plenty of great snorkeling sites on Atauro Island, sumptuous beaches east of Dili, and compelling Asian-European fusion of culture, cuisine and way of life that make East Timor a rather unique destination before the floodgates of tourism ruin everything.
Below is East Timor’s public holiday schedule 2014, a combination of Catholic, Muslim and national holidays.
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Much like the rest of the West that influenced it, the Timorese count down to midnight and light the fireworks to celebrate the New Year’s Eve.
Holy Friday – Friday, 18 April 2014
Given the Roman Catholic legacy left by the Portuguese, Timorese Catholics reflect on this day the passion, crucifixion and death of their savior, Jesus Christ, and participate in a candlelit procession which reenacts His burial.
World Labour Day – Thursday, 1 May 2014
In keeping with the international tradition to celebrate the workers’ social and economic contribution, the Timorese honor their workers on this day with programs and parades, but activist workers and labor unions are likely to take to the streets and air their grievances in mass rallies.
Restoration of Independence Day – Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Timor was originally a Portuguese colony in 16th century until its emancipation in 1975. But in a sad twist of fate, this independence did not even last for a month when the Indonesians decided to occupy East Timor and declared it as the latter’s province the next. The Restoration of Independence Day is actually a celebration of its independence from Indonesia, an event that finally happened on May 20, 2002. On this day, flags are raised not only in formal ceremonies in Dili, its capital, but also on houses and businesses. The president and other high-ranking government officials are naturally present in the parade of colors that take place in the capital, after which there is a gun salute fired to remember and honor the Timorese freedom fighters.
Corpus Christi – Thursday, 19 June 2014
On this day, Roman Catholic Timorese celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) in a liturgy that affirms the belief of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Idul Fitri – Monday to Tuesday, 28 to 29 July 2014
The end of Ramadan, or the month of fasting, is widely observed in East Timor as a nod to Indonesian influence, whose population are largely Muslims. Although almost 97% of Timorese are Roman Catholics, the Muslim minority are given wide berth to celebrate their own religious holidays. On this day, Timorese Muslims may send each other Eid cards, go to their nearest place of worship or mosque for prayers, and prepare feasts that are shared by the family.
Popular Consultation Day – Saturday, 30 August 2014
On this day in 1999, an independence referendum was held in East Timor which asked the people 1) Do you accept the proposed special autonomy for East Timor within the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia? 2) Do you reject the proposed special autonomy for East Timor, leading to East Timor’s separation from Indonesia? Only 21.50% of the population accepted, while the remaining 78.50% rejected, which led to a transitional administration by the United Nations, and eventually to independence which happened on May 20, 2002. To commemorate this historic occasion, various programs in mainstream media are aired on this day that tell the story of the country’s transition to independence, and banners and posters to the same effect are displayed all over the small country. There are also photo exhibits which recount the event that are held at the President’s Palace.
Idul Adha – Sunday to Monday, 5 to 6 October 2014
This Islamic festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael, and Ishmael’s willingness to take the sacrificial altar in obedience to God’s wishes. Timorese Muslims perform sacrificial rites on this day, usually by slaughtering animals and sharing the meat to the neighbors and the poor.
All Saints Day – Saturday, 1 November 2014
On this day, the sacrifice of saints are commemorated, usually by liturgical services in a local Catholic Church. Timorese also start making the journey home so they can visit the graveyard of the departed on All Souls’ Day.
All Souls Day – Sunday, 2 November 2014
All Souls’ Day is the Christian equivalent of the Chinese Tomb Sweeping Day. Families visit the grave of their departed loved ones, usually days before the actual date, to weed, sweep and paint the tombstones in anticipation of All Souls’ Day. On the actual day of the celebration itself, a mass is offered in the morning, and people troop to cemeteries to say the rosary and offer flowers to the dead. “Katapas,” which is simply rice wrapped in coconut leaves and fried, is a favorite traditional food popular on this day.
Youth National Day – Wednesday, 12 November 2014
On this day in 1991, over 250 Timorese were killed by Indonesian soldiers in Santa Cruz, a brutal event known as the Dili Massacre. This holiday commemorates the event and is marked with a mass and a candle-lighting ceremony at the graves of those who died in that massacre. There are also candle lighting ceremonies on the streets, and sometimes a reenactment of this grim event.
Proclamation of Independence Day – Friday, 28 November 2014
On this day in 1975, East Timor declared independence from Portugal after hundreds of years under their rule. Unfortunately, just a short period after, Indonesia occupied East Timor, and thus began another struggle for independence.
National Heroes Day – Sunday, 7 December 2014
This day is also known as Invasion Day, when Indonesian soldiers under the command of the despot Suharto occupied East Timor (which declared independence just a few days before). More important, however, is this day’s commemoration of all heroes involved in the struggle for independence, not uncommonly marked by protests and rallies.
Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception – Monday, 8 December 2014
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of East Timor. This day is celebrated with a liturgical mass that reminds the devout of the purity of the Blessed Virgin not only since birth, but from the time she was conceived.
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014
Like the rest of the Christian world, East Timorese celebrate the birth of their savior on this day.
