Martyr's Day in Malawi Date in the current year: March 3, 2024

British started colonization of Malawi in the mid of the 19th century. It's territory was proclaimed a British protectorate in 1891 and in 1907 its name was changed in Nyasaland. This name retained for the reminder time of the British rule in the country.

British linked Nyasaland and Southern Rhodesia to form the Central African Federation (CAF), and this step evoked mass protest from African nationalists. One of the major figures of CAF was Hastings Banda, a European-trained doctor. Banda was elected as the president of Nyasaland African Congress and raised an uprising on March 3, 1959. Hastings Banda and other leaders of Central African Federation were imprisoned, and the congress itself was prohibited.

The anniversary of uprising became the date for observation of Martyr's Day. This is a public holiday in Malawi. The politicians deliver solemn speeches to honor those who died during the uprising. The President and other officials lay wreaths to the memorials of the fighters for independence.