Martyrs’ Day, also known as Democracy Day, is observed in Mali every March 26. This public holiday commemorates the 1991 coup that initiated the transition to multiparty democracy in the country. The origins of this day trace back to the arrest of President Moussa Traoré by military officers, led by Amadou Toumani Touré, during an anti-government riot involving students and government workers. The day serves as a time for Malians to celebrate democracy while mourning those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democratic reforms. The holiday reflects the historical context of Mali's political evolution, moving from a one-party state established under Traoré's regime to a more democratic governance structure.