Celebrating the 52th anniversary of Madagascar’s Independence day

by Fanja, e2f Madagascar

History:

Madagascar was an independent kingdom before becoming a French colony in 1896. The country was under French rules during sixty-four years until 1906, when it became the Republic of Madagascar. Since then, Malagasy people celebrate their Independence Day every year on June 26.

Celebrations:

Every year, Malagasy people prepare the arrival of this event some weeks in advance. Indeed, you would notice the Malagasy flag proudly displayed against every household’s wall or balcony from the very beginning of June. Madagascar’s Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with a lot of food (composed especially of poultry – goose, chicken or duck, and rice), drinking and dancing.

Additionnaly, the celebration makes the joy of children who are eagerly awaiting the nights of June 25 and 26 to admire the fireworks and also to show their colorful Arendrina or lanterns. These are probably the most noisy nights of the year due to firecrackers used as a remembrance of the gunfire occuring during the war for independence.

The traditional « Hira Gasy » (Malagasy folk dance) present at every celebration.

In the morning of June 26, people go to Mahamasina Stadium to enjoy the military parade usually followed by a great concert.