Martyrs’ Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Mali
In Mali, 26 March is a public holiday known as Martyrs’ Day. It is also sometimes called Democracy Day. This holiday commemorates the 1991 uprising that put Mali on the path to a democratic governmental system. Special reference is made to the “martyrs” who gave their lives to bring greater freedom to their beloved homeland.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 26 Mar | Tue | Martyrs' Day |
| 2025 | 26 Mar | Wed | Martyrs' Day |
| 2026 | 26 Mar | Thu | Martyrs' Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Following Mali gaining independence from France in 1960, it underwent a series of military coups and one-party dictatorships. The country’s first president, Modibo Keita, was overthrown in 1968. He was followed by President Traore, who tried to impose one-party rule indefinitely. But Traore and his brutal tactics stirred up opposition, which culminated in a coup against his government on 26 March, 1991.
A military uprising led by Amadou Toure began the coup, but they soon instituted democratic reforms and ended one-party control of the country. Malians look back to 26 March as the starting point for a new beginning for their country, which had endured decades of oppressive, undemocratic regimes. Martyrs’ Day is as much a time to celebrate freedom as it is to remember those who died that their fellow countrymen might enjoy it.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 Mar | Sun | Martyrs' Day |
| 2022 | 26 Mar | Sat | Martyrs' Day |
| 2021 | 26 Mar | Fri | Martyrs' Day |
| 2020 | 26 Mar | Thu | Martyrs' Day |
| 2019 | 26 Mar | Tue | Martyrs' Day |
| 2018 | 26 Mar | Mon | Martyrs' Day |
| 2017 | 26 Mar | Sun | Martyrs' Day |