In Madagascar, roosters don’t just sing to greet the dawn; they also transform into true gladiators, ready to fight for glory and money. Over the years, cockfighting has become an integral part of Malagasy culture, with arenas found almost everywhere in the major cities, creating an exciting atmosphere rivaling that of watching blockbuster films in the cinema. Every Sunday, in noisy arenas, these feathered fighters, trained and muscular, engage in violent duels where the stakes are either victory or being tossed into the pot.
Spectators, enthusiastic and sometimes daring, bet on their favorite rooster in an electrifying environment. Bets can reach astronomical amounts: houses, cars, and fortunes are at stake. The best roosters become local stars, adored by their owners and accompanied by the island’s most beautiful cheerleaders. However, this world of cockfighting is not without its dark side. Doping, animal cruelty, and coach corruption are frequent, and scandals often tarnish the activity.
In response to this violence, other passions are gaining traction in Madagascar, particularly wild car racing, where modified vehicles engage in frenetic races, sometimes as spectacular as the cockfights themselves. Both activities reflect Madagascar’s attraction to extreme sports but also highlight the complexity and contradictions within its popular culture.
