Republic Day: December 30
Republic Day is a public holiday in Madagascar.
Republic Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Madagascar to remember the era that changed things for the better of the country.
History of Republic Day in Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, lies in the Western Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. A central chain of high mountains called the Hauts Plateaux occupies more than half of the main island, and the mountains are responsible for making the east and west coasts of Madagascar so different.
The capital of the island is Antananarivo. The primary languages on the island are Malagasy, French, and English. The people of Madagascar have very traditional religious views, practicing Christianity, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and some Islam.
On December 30, 1975, the Republic of Madagascar was officially formed and this is celebrated as a public holiday by the country. However, forming the Republic of Madagascar was not an easy, quick task. The country survived much turmoil and violence before it reached some stability.
For years, the French had total control of Madagascar. After the French bombarded the country in 1883, they began to set up government and rules that were not appreciated, but they were accepted in order to keep the peace. They overthrew monarchies and ended all notions of secret organizations and potential conspiracies in order to keep power. The French held control during World War II, a time filled with many major attempted uprisings against them.
It wasn’t until 1972 that things started to improve. Tsiranana, president of Madagascar at the time, handed over power to General Gabriel Ramanantsoa, who became the country’s prime minister. Afterwards, Ramanantsoa’s plan to rule was overwhelmingly approved and things began to change for the better. Ramanantsoa freed political prisoners jailed by Tsiranana and began to reduce French influence in the country. Finally in 1975, a new constitution was approved that renamed the island to the Democratic Republic of Madagascar.
Madagascar’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Every year, the holiday is celebrated on December 30. Madagascans observe this day as the day when the country started to become a region of peace. Many celebrations and festivals are held to honor this day.