The National Day of Madagascar is on the 26th June (Independence from France 1960). Also known as “Independence Day” or “Fête de l’Indépendance” in French. See the brief history on the process that Madagascar took to gain independence.
National Day of Madagascar
Likewise as explained on the 26th June 1960, Madagascar gained its independence from France. This came after 70 years of colonial rule. You will note that Madagascar was a French colony since 1896. As we all know that the struggle for independence was long and difficult. The Malagasy people, led by the nationalist movement, fought for their freedom from French rule, which resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar.
Firstly there was Philibert Tsiranana who has a key role in Madagascar’s independence movement. He founded the Social Democratic Party and served as the country’s first president after independence was achieved. Secondly there was also Joseph Raseta who helped to mobilize the Malagasy people in the fight for independence. He was a leader of the National Movement for the Independence of Madagascar (MNIM) and was imprisoned several times for his political activities. Finally there was Jacques Rabemananjara who played a key role in the independence movement. He helped to found the MNIM and was later elected as the first president of the National Assembly after independence was achieved.
See also the National Day of Mauritania as well as the National Day of Malawi and the National Day of Libya.
Public Holidays in Madagascar
Finally the following is a list of the major public holidays in Madagascar:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Independence Day – June 26th
- Assumption Day – August 15th
- All Saints’ Day – November 1st
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Boxing Day – December 26th
In addition to these holidays, Madagascar also observes several religious holidays, including:
- Easter – Date varies each year (usually between late March and late April)
- Eid al-Fitr – Date varies each year (usually in May or June)
- Eid al-Adha – Date varies each year (usually in July or August)
It’s important to note that the dates of some holidays changes. See also the national days of Bangladesh.
