COMMÉMORATION DE L'ABOLITION DE L'ESCLAVAGE

This day is a public holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery. Although the abolition decree in Paris dates from April 27, 1848, it was not applied until the news was officially received in each colony (May 22 in Martinique, May 27 in Guadeloupe and June 10 in French Guiana). The 87,000 slaves in Guadeloupe were not considered free until May 27, 1848. Commemorations are held everywhere, notably at the Delgrès fort in Basse-Terre and the Fleur d'épée fort in Gosier. Administrations and supermarkets are closed all day.