Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery in Martinique

On May 22, 1848, following a revolt of enslaved people in Saint-Pierre that drew with them those from the communes along the Caribbean coast, slavery was immediately abolished on the island. Initially, the decree of April 27 had provided for the liberation of enslaved people two months after its promulgation.

It is the date of May 22 that was chosen as the day of commemoration of slavery in Martinique and was declared a public holiday.