Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery in Martinique

On May 22, 1848, following a slave revolt in Saint-Pierre that drew in the entire Caribbean coast, slavery was immediately abolished on the island. Initially, the decree of April 27 called for slaves to be freed two months later.

May 22 was chosen as the date for the commemoration of slavery in Martinique, and was declared a public holiday.

Learn more about slavery in Martinique

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