Fabruce RASOLONOMENDRAIBE

Fabruce RASOLONOMENDRAIBE

Discovering Madagascar’s Sihanaka people

The Sihanaka, one of Madagascar's ethnic groups, are known for their way of life closely tied to the marshes and wetlands of the Lake Alaotra region, located in the northeast of the former Merina kingdom (now the Hautes Terres, starting with Antananarivo). Primarily fishermen and rice growers, they have adapted to the unique conditions of their aquatic environment.

Discover the essential lexicon of Malagasy-style meals!

Are you dreaming of a culinary trip to Madagascar and want to taste the island's authentic flavors? There's nothing better than discovering the local gastronomy in a “hotely,” those small, typical restaurants where Malagasy people like to meet to enjoy traditional dishes, always accompanied by rice, at affordable prices. Before you go, it's a good idea to know a few Malagasy terms so you can order like a true Malagasy.

Father Pedro, the Big-Hearted Man of Madagascar

Born Pedro Opeka, this Lazarist priest of Slovenian and Argentine origin arrived in Madagascar in 1969 and settled in the southeast. In 1989, witnessing the large number of homeless people in Antananarivo, known as Quatr’mi (slang for “four friends”: rat, garbage, man, dirt), he and other religious figures founded the Akamasoa (“Good Friend”) movement.

The Razana: Protective Ancestors of Madagascar

In Madagascar, the Razana are more than just figures from the past. These revered ancestors live on in the memories and daily lives of the Malagasy people, occupying a central place in their traditions and beliefs. They are not merely memories but true guarantors of harmony and destiny for the living. As intercessors between humans and the divine, they are seen as spiritual protectors, whose blessing is essential to happiness and prosperity.

Where does the name Miandrivazo come from?

The town of Miandrivazo in Madagascar is reputed to be the hottest on the island, owing its heat to its recessed geographical position, which is not very windy. A district capital in the Menabe region, it lies 738 km from Toliara, on the banks of the Mahajilo River, a tributary of the Tsiribihina. The town is surrounded by the Bemaraha and Bongolava mountain ranges, and has an average temperature of 28°C.