DILI, 31 July 2025 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers has approved a Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to organize nationwide celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), to be held on 20 August 2025.
Under the terms of the resolution, the celebrations will take place throughout the national territory, involving ceremonies and activities in the municipalities of Lautém, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi and Liquiçá on August 18th; in Ainaro, Covalima, Bobonaro, Ermera, Aileu, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, and on the island of Ataúro on August 19th; and in Dili on August 20th.
The program includes military parades, popular parades, thanksgiving masses, meetings to reflect on peace, security, healthy social coexistence, and gender issues, as well as cultural activities and visits in honor of the cemeteries where the Martyrs of the Fatherland are buried.
In Aileu, a solemn mass will be held at the Church of Saint Paul and Saint Peter, followed by the laying of a wreath at the statue of the late Nicolau Lobato. In Dili, the main celebrations will take place at Largo de Tasi Tolu and include an international g7+ conference, a military parade, official speeches, decorations, the signing of a protocol with the People’s Republic of China for the construction of the Armed Forces Military Hospital, a dinner party, and a musical concert featuring Luís Represas and other national and international artists.
The Government Resolution also determines that, in addition to protocol and military ceremonies, cultural and sporting activities be promoted, including theater, poetry, traditional dance and musical performances, particularly involving young people and students.
The Government also established a day off in the municipalities covered, exclusively on the day of the FALINTIL 50th anniversary celebrations. It also mandated the establishment of an interministerial organizing committee, led by the Minister of Defense and in collaboration with the F-FDTL, responsible for coordinating all activities and ensuring the involvement of government officials in the celebrations in the various municipalities.
TATOLI
