Martyrs’ Day – What to expect and what to do?

Martyrs’ Day has always been one of the most respected days in the history of Myanmar and a commemoration held for years. How will it turn out in 2020?

On July 19th, government officials in front of the Martyrs’ mausoleum and citizens all across the country would be standing still. Car horns on the street would cry and farmers supporting our lifeline would drop their mattocks. Time stops for an entire minute for all of us in Myanmar, at 10:37 AM on this day, every year. 

2020 has been a tough year for many of us because of the pandemic outbreak. Social distancing and quarantining ourselves has left us with different complications in our daily lives. Fortunately, during these hard years, we have our very own Martyrs’ Day, to commemorate our brave leaders that once fought for our independence. Despite the heartbreaking reality of all of the beloved generals being assassinated on the same day, their stories have become a reason for us to not give up and keep fighting no matter how hard a situation can be. 

Just like every year, our Martyr’s Day will be held from 8:00am (2:00am, UTC) on a Sunday with government officials showing respect to our leaders in front of the Martyrs’ Mausoleum. This year, due to the pandemic outbreak, the event will take place under social distancing rules directed by the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar. Thus, non-government representatives such as the press will not be permitted access to the event. The mourning ritual happens at exactly 10:37 AM, the exact time of the tragic death of our leaders.

In the past years, our heritage buildings, the Secretariat, General Aung San’s house, now a museum, and the Martyrs’ Mausoleum were usually allowed public entry. However, to promote safety, all citizens will not be permitted access to the buildings.

Nevertheless, this day will be a historic day for our citizens. Recently, the Central Bank of Myanmar has issued 1,000-kyats banknotes carrying the portrait of General Aung San and on this year’s Martyrs’ Day, the Central Bank of Myanmar will issue 500-kyats banknotes again with the face of our respected General Aung San. 

Events

Heritage buildings will be closed but that doesn’t mean you cannot take your day off and relax with your family on the peaceful day by eating out. Here is a list of events and promotions for you to enjoy your Sunday.

19th July

***Martyrs’ Day Special*** (Art Exhibition)

Location : G-42 Urban Asia Center , 48th Street, Middle Block , Botataung, Yangon

SUNDAY HIGH TEA BRUNCH! @ Zealax Hotel & Residence

ONLY $8.99++ for Children Age 6 to 10
ONLY $18.99++ for Adults
ONLY $10.99++ for Free Flow of Beer, Red / White & Sparkling Wine Per Guest for 3 Hours
Free Flow of Soft Drinks
Free Access to Gym, Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna & Steam Room
Semi A La Carte / Buffet, Live Station
A Wide Variety of Delicious Food for Children & Adults
Special Appearance by Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Goofy

Address: Zealax Hotel & Residence – 16 Strand Road, Yangon | 10 am – 4 pm

Breakfast & Grill @ Belmond Governor’s Residence

Buffet Brunch and bask in the pleasures of a relaxing Sunday. Unwind by having a dip in their fan-shaped swimming pool. Indulge and savour their scrumptious late breakfast accompanied by BBQ grill, chef’s special menu, dessert table, local draught beer and refreshing smoothies.

Address: Belmond Governor’s Residence – 35 Taw Win Road, Yangon | 11 am – 2 pm

Sunday Brunch at D’Cuisine @ Sedona Hotel Yangon

D’Cuisine’s Sunday Bubbly Brunch Buffet is filled with sumptuous spread of seafood and tender roasts. Feel free to pop in with your family and friends from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and enjoy a lavish a la carte brunch buffet with access to the city’s biggest free form pool and unlimited sparkling wine, beer and soft drinks at just USD 34 nett per person.

Limited seats available due to government regulations on safety distancing.

Address: Sedona Hotel Yangon – No. 1 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon | 11 am – 3 pm

SUNDAY FAMILY BUFFET LUNCH @ Meliá Yangon

After the continuous success of their Saturday Family Night, they are happy to offer you their Sunday Family Lunch. Experience a little twist on their well-known buffet and enjoy additional Asian delicacies, like Korean pork spareribs and spicy chicken wings, Ramen and Japanese burger, and a pasta station.

US$19 net per person with beer, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
50%off for children from 5 to 11 years, complimentary for children under the age of 4.
Seats are limited.

Address: Meliá Yangon – 192, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon | 11 am – 2 pm

Sunday Brunch @ Novotel Yangon Max
‘LUNCH HOUR’ is the ‘BEST HOUR’ of the day. Make your Sunday extraordinary and indulge in an international cuisine Sunday Brunch at The Square restaurant. Only 39 net per person including grilled station, Chef’s special station, seafood on ice and all you can eat international buffet with free-flow beverages and Free access to use the pool. Limited Seats only. Highly recommended to book in advance to reserve your table.

39 net per persons including pool access and free flow of beer, red and white wines, sparkling wine and soft drinks.

Address: Novotel Yangon Max – 459 Pyay Road, Yangon | 12 pm – 3 pm