March 29 is a public holiday in the Republic of Madagascar known as Martyrs' Day.
It honors the memory of those who died in the Malagasy Uprising that started on March 29, 1947.
In 1896, Madagascar was annexed by France.
The islanders organized a resistance movement, but it was suppressed by the end of 1897.
The occupation of France by the Nazis during World War II undermined the authority of the colonial government and accelerated the growth of the new resistance movement.
On March 29, 1947, Malagasy nationalists launched coordinated surprise attacks against French-owned plantations and military bases.
The colonial authorities began to counter the rebels by May 1947.
Madagascar Martyr's Day was established to honor the memory of the victims.
