DILI, 26 august 2024 (TATOLI)-Timor-Leste, this year, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 30 august 1999 Popular Consultation, which will take place throughout the territory with the presence of government members in every administrative post.
An official government release explained that this historic date, which marks a fundamental turning point in Timor-Leste’s history, will be marked by a series of government-dedicated activities between 28 and 30 August 2024 involving national and international leaders, as well as active community participation.
‘With the theme ‘Povu maka Luta! Povu maka Terus! Povu maka Manán Funu! Povu mak Eroi ba Ukun-rasik aan!!!’ or ’It is the people who fight! It is the people who suffer! It is the people who win the fight! The People are the Great Heroes of Independence! ‘, this year’s celebration highlights the important role of the Timorese people in achieving their independence,’ said an official release accessed by TATOLI on monday.
The national holiday celebrations in the city of Dili will take place at the Dili Municipal Stadium, which will include a formal session at the National Parliament, an exhibition at the Timorese Resistance Archives & Museum, and a formal dinner at the Palácio Nobre de Lahane.
The event will be attended by several international figures, including current and former heads of state and government, as well as other government officials and important figures, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.
The celebrations will be filled with a series of activities, such as concerts, parades, cultural presentations, and official speeches, to celebrate the resilience and victory of the Timorese people.
“The Government of Timor-Leste invites all citizens to actively participate in this celebration, which is a testimony to the spirit of resistance, sacrifice, and victory of the Timorese people”
The following series of activities will take place from 28 to 30 August 2024, among others:
On wednesday, 28 august, at 17:00 there will be a venue opening and music concert, UNAMET exhibition, and craft exhibition at the Dili Municipal Stadium by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, with Ian Martin.
Then on Thursday, 29 august, 15:00-17:00, the official visit of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, to attend the Timorese Resistance Archives & Museum exhibition and the Women of Resistance 1975-1999 ‘Mátria’ exhibition.
At the same venue, there will also be the Horta Show Programme, with the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, as moderator, and the participation of the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and UN Secretary General António Guterres, which will be broadcast live by RTTL Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL).
On friday, 30 AUGUST 2024, at 10.00-12.00, a solemn assembly will be held at the National Parliament at 13:00-14:00, followed by a celebration of Polling Day at the INFORDEPE Hall, Ministry of Education (ex UNAMET Hall, Balide-Dili).
At 15:00, a healthy walk to the Dili City Stadium with the participation of civil society groups started from three different points, such as the BJ Habibie Bridge, the Taibessi Hali-Laran Roundabout, and in front of the Presidential Palace.
At 17:30–20:00 at the Dili Stadium, the official celebrations will begin, attended by the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, President of the National Parliament, President of the Court of Appeal, UN Secretary General, and other distinguished guests.
The celebrations will conclude with a music concert for the public from 21:00-00:00/12:00 midnight.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
