Heroes Day in Rwanda

Rwandans celebrate Heroes' Day on February 1.

National celebrations take place starting early in the morning with the laying of wreaths at the Heroes' Cemetery at Remera, Kigali, by the president, officials of the government, and the families of the country's heroes. During the event, speakers make presentations on the significance of the Day, indicating that the heroes being celebrated today are in three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. The Imanzi category, the highest order, features people who registered utmost achievements at the expense of everything, including their own lives. The Imena category comprises of heroes known for their extraordinary acts for the country marked by sacrifice, high importance and example. The Ingenzi category comprises heroes who are still alive, but who are known for their good ideas or outstanding achievements characterised by sacrifice, great importance and high example.