| Majuba Day | |
|---|---|
| Date | 27 February |
| Next time | 27 February 2025 |
| Frequency | annual |
Majuba Day ( Afrikaans: Majubadag) was a major annual national celebration on 27 February in the South African Republic in the period between the First and Second Boer Wars. [1] [2] [3] The day was named after the Battle of Majuba Hill (near Volksrust, South Africa) where on 27 February 1881 the main battle of the First Boer War took place.
During the Second Boer War, the surrender of Piet Cronjé to the British after the equally resounding Battle of Paardeberg took place on 27 February 1900, [4] leading Paul Kruger to declare, "The English have taken our Majuba Day away from us". [5]
After the Second Boer War, with the Transvaal Colony (1902–1910) under British rule, Majuba Day was replaced by Victoria Day (24 May). [6]
The day is still, however, celebrated by some Afrikaners; such as those in the town of Orania. [7]
References
- ^ Ferguson, Niall (2008). Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power. Basic Books. p. 105. ISBN 9780465013104. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ^ Black & white illustrated budget. London: Black and White Pub. Co. 1899. p. 32. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ Gore, St. John (1901). The green horse in Ladysmith. London: Sampson, Low, Marston and Co. p. 133. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ Morris, Jan (2010). Farewell the Trumpets. Faber & Faber. ISBN 9780571265985. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ^ Judd, Denis; Surridge, Keith (2013). The Boer War: A History. I.B.Tauris. p. 168. ISBN 9781780765914. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
- ^ "[SOUTH-AFRICA] 2 Oct 1950 - article on Public Holidays". RootsWeb. October 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2014.
- ^ "Voorgrond" (PDF) (in Afrikaans). Orania Beweging. February 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2014.