if you are interested in the Malagasy culture, we invite you to read our articles about it, we are happy to share with you our passions on the history and culture of Madagascar.
In Madagascar, the artisan circuit—also commonly known as the "Craft Route"—is a tourist trail that allows visitors to discover local know-how through workshop visits and direct encounters with artisans. This type of tour highlights Malagasy cultural heritage and promotes more responsible and supportive tourism. It’s also a more tangible way to support the local economy outside of popular tourist zones.
The Taom-baovao Malagasy marks the start of the Malagasy New Year, celebrated annually at the end of March, according to the lunar calendar. This event usually takes place at the Kianja Masoandro, located at Rovan’i Madagasikara, a site of great importance to the Malagasy people. The inauguration of Taom-baovao begins with an ancestral and spiritual ritual, the sharing of the "Afo tsy maty", a sacred fire that represents purification and the renewal of energies.
Noctourism, or nighttime tourism, is a growing trend that transforms travel into captivating and lively experiences after dark. It highlights activities such as stargazing, nighttime city walks, and the discovery of natural phenomena like bioluminescent beaches and nocturnal wildlife. This approach offers an alternative to often overcrowded daytime visits while allowing travelers to enjoy more pleasant temperatures and a more intimate atmosphere.
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.
It’s no secret that Malagasy people excel at turning the unrecoverable into everyday objects. Among their most iconic creations, miniature cars made from beer cans and tin boxes are true masterpieces of ingenuity. Found in craft stores, these unique toys attract fans of original and sustainable creations.
The Antambahoaka, an ethnic group from southeastern Madagascar, are known for their deep attachment to ancestral taboos (fady). Among these prohibitions, one of the most controversial remains the rejection of twins. In their tradition, giving birth to twins is seen as a curse. In the past, these newborns were condemned to certain death, either abandoned or killed shortly after birth. This belief, still present today, continues to evoke horror and incomprehension.
When the austral winter settles on the southwest coast of Madagascar, a particular excitement sweeps over the Vezo villages. For these sea nomads, fishing becomes a race against time. For four months, they must catch enough fish to survive the rainy season, when the ocean becomes impassable and drying the fish is impossible.
Stretching for approximately 700 km along the eastern coast of Madagascar, the Pangalanes Canal is a beauty, a national treasure. Between peaceful lakes and narrow passages, it links Tamatave (Toamasina) to Farafangana, offering a striking spectacle. It was the French who, in the late 1940s, undertook to connect this succession of estuaries to create a north-south waterway, safer than the often rough and dangerous Indian Ocean.
Masonjoany, also known as Santalina Madagascariensis, is an iconic sandalwood of Madagascar, highly valued for its cosmetic and ritual properties. Although sandalwood is native to regions such as India, Nepal, and Australia, it has found a favourable climate in Madagascar, particularly in the western part of the island.
The history of Islam in Madagascar is mainly linked to migrations that took place along the island's east coast. The Antemoro, Antambahoaka, and Antanosy ethnic groups all claim a common ancestor, Ramia, who is said to have come from Mecca. However, modern research has revealed that they were not Arabs, but Islamized Indonesians. The reference to Mecca is therefore essentially symbolic, which explains why there are no direct links between Malagasy Muslims and other Muslim communities, particularly those in Africa.
Dear traveler , did you know that Vivy Travel Madagascar doesn’t just organize tailor-made trips to Madagascar? We’re also deeply committed to preserving our rich natural and cultural heritage. Every experience we create is designed not only to offer you unforgettable memories, but also to promote sustainable conservation and respect for our environment and culture. Immerse yourself in an authentic adventure where every step you take contributes to preserving the beauty and diversity of Madagascar for future generations.
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