Donia, a grand festival on a small island

Nosy Be is a paradise island located in the Mozambique Channel near the northwest coast of Madagascar. With its beauty and warm-hearted inhabitants, it is a must-visit destination during your trip to Madagascar. But another unique aspect of the island makes this destination very special: The Donia Festival.

Donia, a national pride

The Donia is a music festival that was founded in May 1994. The name of the festival means "the beautiful life" in the Sakalava dialect (the local inhabitants). The festival is organized by COFESTIN, the organizing committee of the Nosy Be Festival. Since 1997, Donia has been recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Madagascar, as it brings together the culture of the Vanilla Islands (Madagascar, La Réunion, Mayotte, Seychelles, and Mauritius). In 1998, it became the Cultural Festival of the Indian Ocean. On the international stage, it is the only Malagasy event to be named the "Festival of World Music" by the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Washington.

A beautiful and diverse celebration  

The Donia Festival takes place every year during the Pentecost weekend. However, in 2018, the festival was held from September 26 to 30. The festival lasts from 5 to 7 days, and its program is very diverse. Generally, the festival includes sports events, conferences, and performances. The activity that makes Donia so special is the opening carnival, which brings the entire island of Nosy Be together for a vibrant and colorful celebration. Since 2002, the festival has also included a motocross competition. In 2012, the activities evolved further with the introduction of the Miss and Mister Donia contest. Each year, the event also gives the opportunity to discover new local talents.

At the heart of the atmosphere of the island of perfumes

Whether by day or night, the Donia Festival is always a celebration. During the day, there are cultural animations, sports activities, and meetups. In the evening, visitors fully enjoy the concerts on the main stage at the Ambodivoanio Stadium in Hell-ville (the downtown area of Nosy Be). Whether as a spectator or an active participant, everyone finds their place during the festival. This year, the Donia Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary. For this occasion, the program will be even more extraordinary. Attending or participating in this festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth of the island's inhabitants. It also immerses visitors in a musical atmosphere full of colors. So, when you travel to Madagascar, be sure to experience this magical moment—it will be a beautiful adventure and a discovery that will mark your trip!