March 30
The people of Trinidad and Tobago observe March 30 as Spiritual Baptist (Shouters)
Liberation Day.

This national holiday, instituted in 1996, honors an African-American religious sect once
outlawed in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Spiritual Baptists originally came to the islands as former American slaves, who had
fought for the British in the Revolutionary War.

Their style of worship combined African and American Baptist beliefs and practices.

Services include bell ringing, shouting, and high-volume singing and chanting.

The colonial government of Trinidad and Tobago accused the Spiritual Baptists of
disturbing the peace.

In 1917, the government forbade the group (nicknamed the "Shouters") from practicing
their religion.

This law was overturned in 1951.

The recently established national holiday honors the Spiritual Baptists' long struggle
against religious persecution.

It is observed with speeches and religious services.

Full story: https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Spiritual+Baptist+Liberation+Day

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