Government of Timor-Leste

A series of official ceremonies and commemorative activities marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste will be held in Tasi-Tolu from May 17th to 20th, 2026.

The celebrations are being held under the theme: “Together we will build a country that is increasingly just, inclusive, and resilient.”


GENERAL PROGRAM

May 17th, 2026
Opening of the Local Food Fair and Concert
● Time: From 06.00 pm
● Venue: Tasi-tolu Square, Dili


May 19th, 2026
Thanksgiving Mass
● Time: 09.00 a.m.
● Venue: Cathedral of Dili

Laying of Flowers in Honour of the Nation’s Heroes
● Time: After Mass
● Venue: Santa Cruz Cemetery, Dili


May 20th, 2026
National Flag-Raising Ceremony
● Time: 08:00 a.m.
● Venue: Tasi-tolu Square, Dili

National Flag Lowering Ceremony
● Time: 04.30 p.m.
● Venue: Tasi-tolu Square, Dili

Closing Ceremony of the Local Food Fair and Concert
● Time: 6.00 p.m.
● Venue: Tasi-tolu Square, Dili
 
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PROGRAM FOR THE NATIONAL FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

May 20th, 2026 | Tasi-Tolu Square, Dili

Schedule Activity / Protocol

08:00 a.m. The troops begin to form up for the parade
08:05 a.m. Arrival of the guests

08:20 a.m. Arrival of the President of the Court of Appeal, Afonso Carmona

08:25 a.m. Arrival of the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão

08:30 a.m. Arrival of the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay

08:40 a.m. Arrival of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta

09:00 a.m. Raising the National Flag

11:00 a.m. End of the ceremony
11:15 a.m. Cocktail in Tasi-tolu Square


 
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PROGRAM FOR THE NATIONAL FLAG-LOWERING CEREMONY

May 20th, 2026 | Tasi-tolu Square, Díli

Schedule
Activity / Protocol
04:20 p.m. The troops begin to form up for the parade

04:30 p.m. Arrival of the guests

04:50 p.m. Arrival of the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay

05:00 p.m. Lowering of the National Flag

05:15 p.m. End of the ceremony