Dia Da Paz

Friday, October 4^th was a holiday in Mozambique called Dia Da Paz.  Mozambique was a Portuguese colony until 1975 when it won its independence.  Unfortunately, soon after independence a civil war broke out that lasted until 1992.  Dia Da Paz commemorates the signing of the peace accords that ended this 17 year civil war.  It is a national “feriada” day which means there is no school and no work.  We didn’t have class either so we spent the day with our families.  The custom is to bring flowers to the “Praza dos Herois” (plaza of heroes) to celebrate the day.  All of us volunteers went to praza with our host families and helped celebrate.  It was a great ceremony, complete with lots of singing and dancing. I tried to upload a video, but it wouldn't load, so here are a few pictures.  Let's hope that peace lasts in Mozambique for many more years to come.