National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness
| Black Consciousness Day | |
|---|---|
| Official name | National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness |
| Also called | Zumbi Day; Black Consciousness Day; sometimes mistranslated into English as Black Conscience or Black Awareness |
| Observed by | Brazil |
| Type | National |
| Date | 20 November |
| Next time | 20 November 2026 |
| Frequency | Annual |
In Brazil, the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness (Portuguese: Dia Nacional de Zumbi e da Consciência Negra), also known simply as Black Consciousness Day (Portuguese: Dia da Consciência Negra) is observed every year on 20 November. Conceived in 1971 by poet and activist Oliveira Silveira and the Porto Alegre–based Grupo Palmares, the date was incorporated into the national school calendar in 2003, recognized as a national commemorative date in 2011, and established as a national public holiday on 21 December 2023.
The occasion is dedicated to reflecting on the value and contributions of Afro-Brazilians and to debates about racism, discrimination, social equality and inclusion, as well as Afro-Brazilian and African culture. The date was chosen to honor the death of Zumbi of the Quilombo dos Palmares (1695), highlighting Black protagonism in Brazilian history.