The day reminds us how Madagascar hardly fought to gain its independence over France. For more than 60 years, Madagascar and its people had been under French control until it officially changed on June 26th, 1960.

It was worth the fight.

If we look back, Madagascar had already been through a lot and had much to fight for. History tells that, in the 19th century, when the island was united and ruled as the kingdom of Madagascar, France invaded it by removing the monarchy and establishing colonial rule.Since 1897, Madagascar was entirely dependent on France, and that lasted for 63 years. It was in 1946 that everything started to change. A few political parties came out to advocate for Madagascar’s independence after General Charles de Gaulles announced all colonies were to become French overseas territories. One of these parties was the “Mouvement Démocratique de la Rénovation Malgache”, commonly known as MDRM. Another important political party also founded at that timewas the PADESM or “Parti des Déshérités de Madagascar”. PADESM – a pro-France Malagasy political party in the east of Madagascar created with support from the colonial authorities to compete with MDRM.

It was in 1947 that Malagasy uprising began, involving Malagasy nationalists to rebel against French colonial rule. The uprising lasted from March 1947 to February 1949. Nationalist insurgence forced France to establish reformed institutions in 1956 and paved the way for Madagascar to move towards independence without more violent demonstrations. Finally, The Malagasy Republic was proclaimed on October 14th, 1958, and Madagascar was declared as an autonomous state within the French community. In 1959, a constitution was adopted, and the Big Island gained – on June 26th, 1960 – its full independence as the Republic of Madagascar.

The birth of the Independence Day

In Madagascar, the celebration of the Independence Day takes place annually on June 26th. It is a public holiday that is celebrated with big feast. It is typically observed with festivals and other commemorative events. Every year, in the evening of June 25th – Malagasy fellowsare used to spending time together with family or taking their kids outside for a “Harendrina” walk and see the fireworks in town – if fireworks there are. It is also common for Malagasy people to attend shows– the podium – a few days before the real celebration of June 26th. On the D-day, Malagasy compatriots gather along the stadium of Mahamasina – recently baptized the “Barea stadium” – to watch and enjoy the military parade.

This year, Madagascar will celebrate its Independence Day this Saturday and unlike what happened in 2020 – when Malagasy people were not able to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee due to the sanitary crisis – this year’s celebration is going to take place while respecting the sanitary measures and barriers. About 20,000 people are expected to attend the military parade, which will run from the afternoon to the evening, at the Barea Stadium on this Saturday, 26.

Sources: Wild Madagascar/ Office Holidays/ Garda World