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.
Romazava is a traditional Malagasy dish that has been used for a long time by the Malagasy people to accompany their bowl of rice. Comparable to pot-au-feu, Romazava, whose name "Ro" means "broth" in Malagasy, is distinguished by its key ingredient: brèdes mafana (hot greens). This plant with edible leaves gives the broth a slightly spicy flavor and a tingling sensation in the mouth, an inexplicable feeling that one discovers only by trying it.
Moraingy, an iconic combat sport from Madagascar, piques curiosity and wonder with its history and distinctive practices. Known under various spellings such as Moringue, Morengy, or Mourengué, this sport is deeply embedded in Malagasy culture, especially in the Sakalava region. If you are passionate about martial arts or eager to discover local traditions, Moraingy is an unmissable experience that will immerse you in the heart of Malagasy culture.
If you enjoy discovering new flavors and immersing yourself in exotic cultures, Ravitoto sy Henakisoa is a must-try. This traditional Madagascan dish combines pounded cassava leaves with pork, cooked slowly with spices and a touch of sugar, creating a burst of rich and savory flavors. Accompanied by white rice, a tomato rougail, and a spicy garlic-ginger sauce, this dish transports your taste buds straight to the Malgasy sun. Intrigued? Let this simple and delicious recipe guide you to a sensory adventure!If you enjoy discovering new flavors and immersing yourself in exotic cultures, Ravitoto sy Henakisoa is a must-try. This traditional Madagascan dish combines pounded cassava leaves with pork, cooked slowly with spices and a touch of sugar, creating a burst of rich and savory flavors. Accompanied by white rice, a tomato rougail, and a spicy garlic-ginger sauce, this dish transports your taste buds straight to the Malgasy sun. Intrigued? Let this simple and delicious recipe guide you to a sensory adventure!
The valiha, an iconic instrument of Madagascar, is to the Malagasy what the guitar is to the Spanish. Once very common in the rural areas of the Highlands, the valiha is now less widespread. More than just a string instrument, it is a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Malagasy identity. Traditionally made from large bamboo, which must be sourced from far away in the large forests, it typically measures between 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter and between 1.20 m and 1.50 m in length. The bamboo's nodes, spaced 40 to 60 cm apart, form the soundboard, and the fibers, spaced about a centimeter apart, are cut lengthwise to form the strings. These fibers are held in place by a fine but very strong vine (vahy), wrapped five or six times at both ends.
The ten commandments of good manners to follow during your trip to Madagascar to avoid misunderstandings with the Malagasy people.
Famous for its delicious cheeses, Ambatomanga, or "blue rock" as it is translated, is a small village located some forty kilometers east of Antananarivo, overlooked by an immense granite rock. The village is known for its quiet surroundings, multi-story houses with tiled roofs, courteous inhabitants who still preserve the Merina peasant culture, and typical landscapes with rice terraces.
The lamba, a traditional Malagasy fabric, is indisputably Madagascar's artisanal product par excellence. Much more than a simple garment, it is a permanent, even eternal, companion.
It represents Madagascar's cultural identity and is worn with pride by the Malagasy people. Whether it's a square of fabric draped over a woman's shoulder, printed cotton wrapped around her hips, or a shroud lovingly crafted to welcome ancestors into their eternal sleep, the lamba is both versatile and symbolic.
This textile, often adorned with significant patterns and colors, is used in various ceremonies and rites, expressing a sense of belonging to a community and the continuity of ancestral traditions.
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is Madagascar's main port and plays a crucial role in the island's maritime trade. Located on the east coast, Toamasina's primary tourist attraction lies in its diverse tourist population. Throughout the year, the eastern capital welcomes visitors of all nationalities: French, Japanese, German, and Chinese, mostly engineers, technicians, and businesspeople who mingle in the hotels. During the vacation season, the sight of tourists sitting along the seafront is almost ritualistic. Although Toamasina has now been overtaken by Mahajanga as the leading tourist city, this unique spectacle is enough to prove that in Madagascar, the words "vacation" and "tourism" are still closely associated with Toamasina.
Located in the Ihorombe region, this rich basin, where the dead reside, is dizzying. The vineyards and tobacco fields seem overwhelmed by the black massif of Andringitra and the famous Ambondrombe rock, where spirits seek refuge after death. Ambalavao should be less than an hour's drive from Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsileo region, but with the current state of roads in Madagascar, more time should be allowed. You travel through terraced rice fields that cover the hills. The lack of land on the high plateaus has led farmers for centuries to develop a unique cultivation method: they have tackled the mountains and hills, creating their rice paddies through successive terraces. Irrigation is done by capturing rainwater and controlled torrents that flow down through all the terraces. These are soon followed by a forest of shrubs, the tapia, a genuine reserve of silkworms strictly protected against bushfires.
Immersed in the Haute Matsiatra region, just a short distance from the town of Ambalavao, the Anja Village Reserve is an emblematic example of successful community conservation. This reserve, managed by the local community, is a lesser-known destination compared to its famous neighbors, Isalo National Park and Ranomafana National Park. However, the Anja Community Reserve is not lacking in assets: you can observe the makis, the reserve's natural inhabitants, up close.
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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