June 25 marked the 66th anniversary celebration of independence for the town of Antsirabe through a grand ceremony. The festivities continued on June 26 near the cathedral with a major parade organized by students, associations, workers from various sectors, and local community organizations in Vakinankaratra. The prefect of Antsirabe Randrianaivo Ravakiniaina led the event, accompanied by regional leaders and government officials, both civilian and military authorities. Approximately 60 individuals received honors in Vakinankaratra as follows: two recipients of the Grand-croix de 2ème classe of the national order, three commandeurs de l'ordre national, and 11 chevaliers de l'ordre national. One person received the ordre de mérite de Madagascar, while 44 received the medal of labor—27 silver and 17 bronze. The parade lasted about two hours, featuring Malagasy flags. The organization was orderly, though the same could not be said for the surroundings. Vendors of beverages and street merchants crowded the independence avenue and roads leading to the parade venue, creating obstacles for spectators. Additionally, the area suffered from poor sanitation as people littered along the roadsides. Major hotels in the vicinity have already received warnings about maintaining cleanliness, as many fear the town's image could be damaged.