Bittereinderdag (Bitter-ender Day) is celebrated annually on May 31 by Afrikaners, commemorating the Boer Commando guerillas known as Bittereinder who fought during the Second Boer War.

Overview

From 1899 to 1902, the Second Boer War took place between the British Empire and the Boer republics of South Africa. This conflict arose due to tensions between the British colonial expansion and the desire of the Boers for independence. As the war progressed, Boer Commando units continued to engage in guerrilla warfare against British forces even after the conventional forces of the Boer republics had been defeated. These Boer fighters, known as "bittereinders," were determined to resist British occupation.^[1]

On May 31, 1902, the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed between British and Boer negotiators, marking the formal end of the war. The treaty outlined the terms of peace and the future of the newly unified South African territories.

In the 20th century, the bittereinderdag holiday was established by Afrikaners to commemorate the memory of the bittereinders and all Boers who died during the conflict. This holiday is observed by Afrikaner nationalists, including in the town of Orania, South Africa, which is known for its separatist stance. Orania, inhabited exclusively by Afrikaners, has alternative observances that reflect its distinct identity.^[1]

See also

• Bittereinder

References