The Emancipation Celebration is observed every year around August 1st which is the date when slaves were emancipated in 1834 and 1838. The Cultural Division organizes a series of events at that time of year to highlight the occasion.
The week of events usually includes a Golden Drum Awards ceremony in which outstanding persons in the field of culture are recognized. The week also includes a lecture, a Drumming festival, a Bèlè festival and an art exhibition.
The Emancipation Celebration is geared towards building greater awareness about the significance of abolition of slavery and also the impact which slavery and emancipation have had on our modern-day society. It also celebrates and highlights the African retentions which are still with us today and the African influences on our culture.