Madagascar was an independent kingdom before becoming a French colony in 1896. The country was under French rule until 1960, 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.
Additionally, 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 colourful Arendrina or lanterns. These are probably the noisiest
nights of the year due to firecrackers used as a remembrance of the gunfire occurring
during the war for independence.
