Customs & culture · Madagascar

Kinship, solidarity and keeping good relations with everyone. Conflicts are avoided, people help each other, and politeness matters more than speed.

Each region, village or family can have its own taboos — a food not eaten, a day without work, a place you must not point at. If a guide says something is fady, simply respect it.

In the Highlands, families open the ancestral tomb every few years, wrap the remains in new silk shrouds and dance with them — a joyful family reunion, not a sad ritual.

🗓 When: Mostly July – September

💡 Good to know: Only attend if a family invites you, and ask before taking photos.

Ancestors are believed to watch over the living; tombs are often more solid than houses. Speak respectfully near tombs and sacred places.

Formal speeches full of proverbs (ohabolana), given at weddings, funerals and ceremonies. A good speaker is deeply admired.

Day-long open-air shows mixing music, dance and kabary, performed by troupes in red jackets — moral lessons with lots of humour.

The white shawl worn over the shoulders on special occasions; silk lamba are also used as burial shrouds. A beautiful gift.

The national rhythm: things take the time they take. Smile, be patient — it works better than hurrying.

The humped zebu is wealth, dowry and sacrifice at big ceremonies — you’ll see it on coins, carvings and the football team’s name (Barea).

The biggest national holiday: parades, fireworks, and children walking with paper lanterns (arendrina) the night before.