Traveling to Madagascar to discover its culture

Madagascar is known for its culture from its many natural resources. Crossing point of many civilizations in the past, the Big Island or Red Island displays a mixture of culture steeped in those different continents namely Asia, Africa and Europe. Once on the ground Malagasy, travelers will soon disoriented. However, every ethnic group in every region has their own culture. So here is a taste of the traditions and cultures that you will encounter during your stay in Madagascar.

The Famadihana or turnaround of the dead

The Malagasy greatly respect their ancestors. Although the latter are already in another life, their descendants believe that they always watch over them. What makes the descendants perpetuate ancestor worship until today. It is the same for Famadihana, this funeral rite that makes cultural awareness Madagascar. It is also possible for you to attend this unusual worship at a Customized trip to Madagascar. He often runs from early June to late September each year, ie during the dry season. This is mostly a tradition highland Merina ethnic groups including Antananarivo, Bara pour Littoral et Sihanaka pour Dawei. In general, this practice is to wrap the bodies of deceased family members in new shrouds. During this event, the whole family organized a big party for this purpose during which friends and nearby villages are invited. over 3 days of festivities, diners are brought together to sample rice with pork or greasy Zebu. The holiday is often animated by traditional musicians called "mpihira gasy" and "vako-drazana".

The Malagasy traditional crafts

Each country has its specific cultural matters. For the Big Island, his art handmade is awesome. Many have also had the opportunity to bring back as souvenirs. The Malagasy have a special expertise on this topic. During your journey on the Big Island, it is possible to discover manufacturing workshops. If you drive south for example, especially in the Upper region Mahatsiatra, you must spend in the city of Ambalavao, a top of the Malagasy craft. There is a factory of the famous "Antaimoro paper" where you have the opportunity to discover the manufacturing process of this. It is the same for making wild silk fabrics. But Madagascar's art is simply limited to these few elements. Throughout Madagascar, craft markets will be dedicated at your fingertips, especially in big cities. You will have the opportunity to bring trinkets, bags, traditional clothing, tablecloths and embroidered fabrics, various sculptures or precious stones.

The Malagasy cuisine

The cuisine is also one of the key points to discover cultural issue during a trip to Madagascar. Under the influences of many countries around the world, The kitchen offers a range of attractive flavors each other. However, many original dishes are not found elsewhere. Although rice is the staple of the Malagasy food, other tasty dishes will satisfy your palate during your journey. Try for example "ravitoto" or pounded cassava leaves which is a typical Malagasy flat. This is usually prepared with pork or coconut milk with garlic. You also can try to "Romazava" which is a pot variant fire, but consists of leafy vegetables and zebu meat. For dessert, the "Koba" is a must. It is a traditional pastry made of rice, sugar and crushed peanuts often wrapped in banana leaves.