The Mahafaly, who live on the limestone plateau in south-west Madagascar, are renowned for their fascinating traditions and rich and varied history.Living between the Menarandra and Onilahy rivers, they are one of the largest ethnic groups on the island, numbering around 247,000. Their unique way of life and customs are deeply rooted in Madagascar's Austronesian history.
Madagascar is an entirely Christian country, with Christianity occupying a predominant place in the spiritual, social and cultural life of the Malagasy people. Since its introduction in the 19th century, it has profoundly influenced the island's beliefs, practices and social structures. This article explores the history of Christianity in Madagascar, its various denominations and its impact on contemporary Malagasy society.
It's June, and everyone in Madagascar is raising their flag. Houses decorated in red, white and green do not go unnoticed, marking the start of the Malagasy National Day, also known as "Independence Day", celebrated every year on June 26. This day commemorates Madagascar's independence from France, achieved in 1960. It's an occasion of great national pride and a time when Malagasy people, whether on the island or abroad, come together to celebrate their culture and history.
Speaking of culture, the month of June is also known as the Youth Festival, or Fetin'ny Ankizy, because it's all about fun and freedom.
Travelling is a passion for many of us. Discovering new horizons, meeting different cultures and living unique experiences are priceless pleasures we wouldn't want to miss for the world. However, travel, especially by air, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, increasing our carbon footprint. So how can we travel far without feeling guilty? The answer lies in offsetting our carbon footprint. This article explores concrete ways to offset your carbon footprint by traveling to a destination as beautiful and precious as Madagascar.
Good news for travelers and the Malagasy economy!Emirates announces the launch of its flights to Madagascar starting from September 3.
Situated in the geographical heart of Madagascar, just a few kilometers from the capital Antananarivo, the royal hill of Ambohimanga emerges as a sacred sanctuary and a living testimony to the history of the Malagasy kingdom. Once the religious and political capital of the country in the 19th century, it now embodies the quintessence of Malagasy identity and its cultural heritage. It is an atypical place where every Malagasy, coming from the four corners of the island, does not hesitate to visit to seek grace from the kings of ancient times.
In the vast panorama of Madagascar's cultural and natural diversity, rural life occupies a central place. Far from the city lights and urban bustle, Malagasy villages are living witnesses to millennia-old traditions, simple ways of life, and a close relationship with nature. In these villages, life unfolds without the slightest stress of work, where men and women actively participate for the common good, where the spirit of fihavanana still reigns.
In the vast expanses of the Malagasy savannah, amidst landscapes of red earth, cactus and bush, stand silent giants, witnesses to history and guardians of the earth: the baobabs. But among these colossuses of wood and leaves, there's one legend in particular, that of the Baobab amoureux. This legend has become the stuff of all kinds of myths and stories among the locals, but today we're going to tell you the most famous one.
On the Masoala Peninsula, accessible only from Maroantsetra, the Masoala National Park, the largest in Madagascar, generates considerable tourist interest. Bounded by the Indian Ocean to the east and Antongil Bay to the west, this park is surrounded by several protected areas. By combining the Masoala National Park with the Nosy Mangabe Special Reserve in the bay, the largest natural protected area on the island is obtained, totaling an area of 240,520 hectares. The Masoala National Park is one of six national parks on the east coast, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the name "Rainforests of the Atsinanana" since 2010
Located in the southwestern part of Madagascar, Isalo National Park is classified among exceptional parks. Established in 1962, this park's purpose is to protect the biodiversity and stunning landscapes offered by its rocky plateaus. It reflects a strong commitment to the conservation of fauna and flora, and the sustainable development of the region. Isalo National Park, situated more precisely in the Ihorombe region, covers an area of approximately 815 km². It showcases a great diversity of landscapes, including canyons, cliffs, various rock formations, rivers, and waterfalls. This park is also renowned for its flora and fauna, consisting of lemurs, birds, and reptiles endemic to the island. Hiking trails will allow you to explore the park and enjoy spectacular views of the vast landscapes.
