Madagascar celebrated its 66th Independence Anniversary with tremendous popular enthusiasm. The event united and filled all Malagasy people with pride. From dawn yesterday, crowds queued at the six gates of Barea stadium in Mahamasina to attend the national celebration. The stadium, with a capacity of forty thousand people, was completely full. Spectators came as families, friends, or colleagues. Some arrived on state-provided Foton buses, while others came by their own means. All were driven by deep national pride. Some wore national colors, others donned traditional Malagasy clothing, as leaders had encouraged. "I wanted my children to witness this fervor firsthand, so national pride takes root in them from a young age," said Masimalala, a mother dressed in traditional attire. Some left disappointed, unable to enter the stadium. Around 10 a.m., the gates closed. "We were told the stadium was full, yet we clearly see available seats," regretted Ludovic, who watched the live broadcast on his phone with friends. Colonel Mario Ravalison, security chief