On November 28th, Timor-Leste celebrated the Independence Proclamation 45th anniversary. This year the celebrations took place in the municipality of Liquiçá, with the theme “Together to guarantee public health and the recovery of the national economy”. In 1975, the Independence Proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was read by the First President of the Republic, Francisco Xavier do Amaral.
The commemorative events included a National Fair in the Lauhata village, in Liquiçá, from 22nd to 27th November, organized by the Ministry of State Administration and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, to promote local products and strengthen the national economy.
On the 27th and 28th of November, the Independence Proclamation celebrations Organizing Committee, led by the Minister of State Administration, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, prepared a three-part program that included a Mass of Thanksgiving on the morning of the 27th, at the Parish Church of São João de Brito, in Liquiçá and two official ceremonies on the Independence Proclamation day, in Campo de Pilila, in the municipality of Liquiçá.
The ceremonies began with the Raising of the National Flag, on November 28th, starting at 8 a.m. A military parade, a silence minute and the decoration of the combatants and veterans of the Liberation of the Fatherland followed, by the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo. After the speech by the President of the Republic, a parade and sports activities took place.
In addition to the President of the Republic, the President of the National Parliament, Aniceto Longuinhos Guterres, the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, the President of the Court of Appeal, Deolindo dos Santos and members of the 8th Constitutional Government also participated. The official celebrations ended with the lower of the national flag.