The Republic Day and African Unity Day on May 25 are no less important celebrations, and so colorful processions and parades often take place in the capital. Perhaps, New Year is still the loudest holiday. However, that is not the traditional New Year that many are used to celebrate in the end of December. In Madagascar, people have their own New Year, Alahamadi that is celebrated in March. During the holiday, music never stops on the streets of the city, and both locals and tourists enjoy various shows and performances.
Music fans will find it interesting to attend Donia Music Festival that is usually celebrated at the beginning of June. Many celebrations and traditions have a ritual meaning in Madagascar. For example, locals believe that during the ritual of Fisemana the human body is completely healed and purified from diseases, negative emotions, and the evil eye. The ritual itself is quite complicated but very colorful. Only chosen people can fully comprehend the meaning of this sacred ritual. It would be a mistake not to mention Famadihana Festival or “The Turning of the Bones”. In the end of May, local people usually thank supreme forces for good harvest. There is an interesting celebration dedicated to that – the Rice Day.
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