Month May 2025

Located in the far southwest of Madagascar, about twenty kilometers from Cape Sainte-Marie, Lavanono is a small coastal village with around 2,000 inhabitants. Remote and accessible only by a long sandy track—about 180 kilometers from Itampolo, or 7 to 8 hours by vehicle during the dry season—this secluded village in the Androy region, province of Beloha, captivates visitors with its authenticity. Life here remains untouched, far from tourist crowds. Yet, this quiet place draws water sports enthusiasts: windsurfers and kitesurfers even come from Réunion Island to ride the stunning waves along this stretch of coastline. The journey may be challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort.

The Analakely covered market is located in the heart of Antananarivo, in the district of the same name. Situated in front of the Grand Post Office, this iconic pavilion is one of the liveliest places in the capital, especially bustling on Fridays. It lies in the lower town, at the end of Independence Avenue, stretching toward Soarano Station through the famous arcades.

The manufacturing of Antemoro paper is a Malagasy artisanal craft that has been introduced several centuries ago in Madagascar, blending cultural traditions with ecological techniques. This type of paper, although often associated with Madagascar, is believed to have originally been developed in Arabia before being introduced to the island by immigrants. According to some sources, this transmission occurred as early as the 7th century, while others suggest an arrival in the 12th century. The most widespread version, however, places its introduction in the 16th century, following the shipwreck of Arab sailors on the southeast coast of the island. These differing accounts reflect the variety of oral and written stories surrounding the origin of this paper.