The celebration of the National Day every 26 June in Madagascar is a bit special this year. It is marked by numerous infrastructures such as new roads, new stadiums, new hospitals, etc.

Madagascar is celebrating its 61st anniversary of independence this year. Being a French colony since 1896, the big island made a march towards independence on 14 October 1958.  But it was after 2 years, on 26 June 1960, that Madagascar was proclaimed independent and democratic country.

Parade on the new Stadium

There is always a military parade that takes place every year in the Mahamasina Stadium. But last year, the military parade was moved to the Analakely Town Hall because the stadium was being renovated.

But the Mahamasina Stadium, now called "Barea" Stadium, will be able to host the festival this year. The parade will therefore take place in the Barea Stadium today, 26 June, from 3:30 pm. This is the big feast that the state has been organising since the arrival of COVID-19. According to the instructions, only people with an entry ticket will be able to attend. Barrier gestures will also be put in place. An empty chair separates the spectators.

The stadium has become the biggest attraction in the capital. It gives a modern look to the city. It is the largest and most beautiful stadium in the Indian Ocean.

New infrastructures mark the 61st Independence Day

Apart from the Barea stadium, the Malagasy government inaugurated, on 24 June, the North-East and East Rocade named Rocade d'Iarivo. It connects many roads in Antananarivo. It unites the big island, according to the speech of the president of the republic, Andry Nirina Rajoelina.

This new road is a solution to avoid traffic jams. Thus, a new expressway that extends over 8.2km. It connects the RN3 to the Boulevard de Tokyo.

Other infrastructures were recently inaugurated this month such as the "manarapenitra" stadiums of Mahitsy and Ambohidratrimo.

For information, the Malagasy government has many other projects such as the tramway, the establishment of the Academy of Arts and Culture in Ambohitsorohitra, which is almost finished, and the construction of buildings in Ivato.

Santie

Photo Credit: TANIKO Madagascar, Tanaplanète

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