Best time for
The Culture of Madagascar: Ancestors, Traditions, and a Tapestry of Peoples
The dry winter months are when the Highlands' cultural calendar is most active, following the main rice harvest. This period marks the start of the Famadihana season, the 'turning of the bones' ceremony practiced by the Merina and Betsileo peoples.
When to go
Seasonal highlight
From July to September, families across the Highlands hold Famadihana ceremonies, exhuming ancestors to re-wrap them in fresh silk shrouds amidst music and celebration. Hira Gasy troupes, theatrical performers blending opera and oratory, also travel between villages, offering another window into Merina cultural life.
Planning your trip
Heavy rains during the cyclone season can wash out secondary laterite roads and cause frequent disruptions to domestic flight schedules.
Secure specialist guides with deep local ties 4-6 months in advance, as their ability to navigate the sensitivities of attending a Famadihana is in high demand during this peak window.
Trips for The Culture of Madagascar: Ancestors, Traditions, and a Tapestry of Peoples in The Highlands
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