Independence Day: history and what comes after
Today marks the start of the 66th year of the modern state of Madagascar. Malagasy people gained their full independence from France, officially, on 26 June 1960. Celebrations usually begin the night before, with celebrations including harendrina and tsipoapoaka (paper lanterns and firecrackers), to banish the ‘darkness of the past’ and welcome in (and commemorate the coming of) the ‘light…