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On May 22, Martinique celebrates Slavery Abolition Day – a day that marks the end of slavery on the island in 1848. This significant event is celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and educational activities to honor the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom from oppression. While we acknowledge the dark history of slavery, this day also serves as a reminder to continue striving for equality and justice for all. Join in on the celebrations and learn more about Martinique's rich culture and heritage!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1635</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Martinique Colonized</div><div class='timeline-text'>The island of Martinique was colonized by France which saw the start of forced labor by indigenous people.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1658</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>African Slaves Imported</div><div class='timeline-text'>African slaves were first imported and became the main source of labor on sugar plantations in Martinique.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1794</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Abolition of Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>France abolished slavery during the French Revolution. However, slavery was reinstated in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1848</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Final Abolition of Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>Victor Schœlcher, the undersecretary of the French navy, drafted a decree that led to the final abolition of slavery in Martinique.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Heritage Site</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Plantations of Réunion, representative of the history of slavery in Martinique, were designated as a French National Heritage Site.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Martinique celebrates the first commemoration of Slavery Abolition Day, 150 years after its abolition, marking the start of annual observance.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a documentary screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family to watch a documentary about slavery abolition in Martinique. This will not only educate everyone about the history of the day, but also spark important conversations and reflection.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events or festivals in your area that celebrate the culture and traditions of Martinique. This can be a great way to learn more about the country's history and celebrate the progress made towards ending slavery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of volunteers and work together to make a positive impact in your community. This could include volunteering at a local organization that supports anti-slavery efforts or organizing a fundraiser for a related cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about the history of slavery abolition in Martinique and share what you learn with others. This can be through social media, hosting a discussion group, or simply having conversations with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate with traditional Martinican food</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and prepare traditional dishes from Martinique to celebrate the culture and cuisine of the country. This can be a fun and delicious way to honor the day and its significance.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates an important event in history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Slavery Abolition Day marks the day when slavery was officially abolished in the French colony of Martinique. This event is significant as it symbolizes the end of a dark period in history and serves as a reminder of the importance of human rights and equality for all.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the freedom of those who were enslaved</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Slavery Abolition Day is a time to celebrate the emancipation of those who were forced into bondage. It honors their courage and resilience in the face of oppression, and acknowledges their contributions to society and the advancements they have made despite their struggles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness and promotes education about slavery</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Slavery Abolition Day serves as an opportunity to educate people about the history and legacy of slavery. It encourages open dialogue about the impact of this dark part of history and the importance of learning from it to ensure it is never repeated.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raimond Pan, a freedman, was key to the emancipation movement</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raimond Pan, a free man who was born into slavery, is one of Martinique's unsung heroes. His writings and speeches were influential in the abolitionist movement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Martinique saw two abolitions of slavery</h3><p class='facts-content'>Martinique experienced two instances of slavery abolition, first in 1794 by France's First Republic during the French Revolution, and the second, permanent abolition in 1848 by the French Second Republic.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An official monument is dedicated in memory of the victims of slavery</h3><p class='facts-content'>In 1998, the Savane des Esclaves was opened as a cultural venue in Martinique to pay tribute and offer a memorial to the victims of slavery and their descendants.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Victor Schœlcher was not well-received by all local inhabitants</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Victor Schœlcher is hailed as a key figure in the abolition of slavery, it is important to note that he faced significant opposition from plantation owners and colonial authorities, who once ordered his expulsion from the island.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Martinique has uniquely emblematic symbols of enslavement and freedom</h3><p class='facts-content'>Martinique has a broken chain as a symbol of slavery abolition, and its tree fern, which regrows when cut off, exemplifies resilience and the persistence of life, symbolising the emancipation and resilience of enslaved people.</p></div></div>
Martinique Slavery Abolition Day is celebrated on May 22 every year. In 2024 Martinique Slavery Abolition Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 22
Monday
2024
May 22
Wednesday
2025
May 22
Thursday
2026
May 22
Friday
2027
May 22
Saturday
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