Colors of Antananarivo - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Antananarivo is famous for its colorful celebrations that every tourist will find incredibly interesting to visit. Traditional Christian celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, remain the most popular holidays in the city. On these days, there are always many people outside. Friends and family members visit each other and exchange symbolic gifts. On the Christmas Eve, specially decorated stalls appear on the streets. They offer interesting souvenirs and pastries.

Catholic Christmas attracts a large number of tourists to Madagascar, as it is celebrated on a grand scale here. All the buildings are decorated with Christmas attributes and garlands. Madagascar Santa Clauses, differing from American - leanness, stroll through the streets and treat children with snacks. Local residents perform hymns and organize performances and concerts. This day is the most important holiday on the island and is saturated with the festive spirit of Christmas fun.

On September 27, residents of Antananarivo and its environs celebrate St. Vincent de Paul's Day - a holiday of universal repentance and compassion for our fellow people. Morning and afternoon, local residents spend in the temples, and by the evening gathering in the central square for entertainment and amusement. On this day, you will see the performances by the local theatres of Hira-gashi and festive fireworks. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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.

Circumcision ceremony is one of the oldest and most important rituals in the life of any man in Madagascar. As a rule, the ceremony turns into a festive celebration that can last up to several days. This is the time when numerous guests gather to enjoy delicious treats. According to an old tradition, guests cannot come in red clothes to this celebration. Various competitions in dancing, music, or strength have become an essential part of the ceremony. Other important national celebrations include the Independence Day that is celebrated on June 26 and All Saints’ Day that is celebrated on November 1.

In order to understand local people better, it is important to remember their Asian-African heritage. The island’s unique society has a complex set of customs that is incredibly interesting to explore. The power of dead ancestors is believed to have a great importance in Madagascar. Locals call it razana. It is believed that spirits look after their descendants, and so it is important to respect souls of the dead. Each family can have its own traditions and taboos (called fady) to make sure razana bless them. As local people believe that soul is immortal, they consider death the most important part of life as this is the time when the soul becomes an immortal razana. This makes people in Madagascar pay much attention to burial tombs that often look very beautiful. Funeral practices are also nothing like in the Western world. Quite often, these are joyful ceremonies, but traditions can vary depending on the community.

If you don’t know what souvenirs to bring from Antananarivo, pay your attention to lamba – the traditional wraparound cloth. Many local people still wear it on an everyday basis. It is very comfortable and can be worn in a number of ways. Many wear it as a shawl, and women often tie it as a sling to carry babies. The Malagasy also like wearing hats that can differ in material, color, and shape. It’s another amazing souvenir idea for all tourists.