Madagascar Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Madagascar, MG, Africa)
Popular culture in Madagascar is alive and kicking if the number of festivals, fairs and cultural events held throughout the year is anything to go by. Madagascar's numerous events and fun things to do are a clear reflection of the diversity of the country's traditions, with many becoming top tourist attractions.
Each year, various annual festivals are staged all across the islands, at destinations such as Antananarivo, Ile Sainte Marie, Nosy Be, Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte Marie) and Taolagnaro. There are also frequent national holidays and anniversaries from important dates in history, such as Martyrs' Day each March and Assumption Day in August.
Madagascar Calendar of Festivals and Events
January
- New Year's Day - celebrated on January 1st each year. The Malagasy people decorate their houses with lights and get together with family and friends
February
- There are no significant festivals in Madagascar during the month of February
March
- Alahamady Be - events include local dances, accompanied by traditional music. Festivities generally last for two days and reliably draw large crowds to this celebration of the Malagasy New Year
- Martyrs' Day (Commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion) - March 29th, a public holiday held throughout the country, remembering the many thousands who lost their lives during the Revolt of 1947 (Malagasy Uprising), a rebellion against the French colonial rule
- Good Friday / Easter Sunday / Easter Monday - late March / early April, with religious services at all of the main churches and cathedrals
April
- Santabary - late April / early May, an annual celebration of the first rice harvest. Each year, the Santabary features plenty of opportunity for eating and drinking, as well as a number of local customs and traditions
May
- Labour Day - May 1st, a Malagasy public holiday
- Expo Madagascar - this event showcases thousands of products from over 20 nations. This is always a popular event with trade visitors from all over southern Africa
June
- Fisemana - held each year in June by the Antakarana people, the Fisemana is a purification ceremony with some carefully performed rituals
- Famadihana - known as 'the turning of the bones', this event brings together families. During 'Famidihana', which usually extends from June to September, ceremonies take place in which bodies are removed from family crypts and then reburied, dressed in new silk shrouds
- Sambatra - held from June to December, circumcision festivals are staged by the majority of Madagascar's 18 tribes
- Independence Day (Fetim-Pirenena) - June 26th, a public holiday celebrated all over the country
July
- Hiragasy - unique to Madagascar, this traditional form of entertainment originates from the 18th century. It comprises a five-themed spectacle of music, dance and oratory, performed by competing troupes. Eating and drinking competitions are also held. This traditional event may be performed for those visiting as part of an organized tour outside of the Hiragasy period
- Whale Watching - from July to September, the annual humpback whale migrations takes place. The best whale watching can be found around Ile Sainte Marie
August
- Assumption Day (Feast of the Assumption) - August 15th, celebrated as a public holiday throughout the nation, with various religious gatherings on this day, remembering when the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven
September
- Donia - held in the Hell-Ville Stadium, on the small island of Nosy Be. This event, which first took place in 1994, has now grown into a popular and colourful sports, cultural and Malagasy music extravaganza. The Donia lasts for an entire week and welcomes some 40,000 spectators each year
- Feria Oramena - held in Taolagnaro, this celebration focuses on Madagascar's lobster population, with lots of exhibitions and shows, along with a carnival
October
- Madajazzcar - features jazz artists from all across the world, being held over a two-week period. Venues for this international event include many within the capital city of Antananarivo
November
- All Saints Day - celebrated on November 1st each year, this is a national Malagasy public holiday
December
- Gasytsara Modern Music Festival - usually held in Antananarivo
- Christmas Day - December 25th, with Yuletide festivities and parties for all to enjoy
- Anniversary of the Republic - celebrated on December 30th each year