Volambetohaka Festival: The event of the year in the region of Amoron’i Mania

Madagascar is an island rich in cultural events. Almost every region has its own specific festival, such as the "Alahamadibe" for the Merina; the "Fitampoha" for the Boeny region; the "Sambatra" in the Mananjary area; the "Donia" for Nosy Be; the "Jerijery" of Analanjirofo; and the "Volambetohaka" in the region of Amoron’i Mania. Experiencing these festivals is a must during your trip to Madagascar.

Volambetohaka, the identity of Amoron’i Mania

In the region of Amoron’i Mania (in the southern part of the Highlands of the island), the year is divided into two periods: the "Volandrimorimo" (from September 15 to March 14), a period of hard labor in society dedicated to fieldwork, and the "Volambetohaka" (from March 15 to September 14), a period of festivities, construction, and rice harvest. The festival takes place at the end of August and is inspired by this second period of the year. It is mainly cultural and artistic. Created in 1995 but becoming widely known in 1998, the name "Volambetohaka" comes from the words "volana," meaning moon, and "tohaka," meaning joy. The festival is held every two years in one of the districts of Amoron’i Mania, rotating between Ambositra, Ambatofinandrahana, Fandriana, and Manadriana. Its goal is to promote and showcase the cultural and artistic aspects of the region. It also strengthens solidarity and exchange among the "Betsileo Tavaratra" (the ethnic group of the region). The festival aims to highlight Malagasy culture, especially that of Amoron’i Mania.

Four days of full festivities

The festival lasts four days, with participants representing the five districts of the region in each activity.  

- Day 1: The "toakaja" (honor) ceremony marks the welcome of participants and guests. Local authorities offer typical Betsileo alcohol to guests, followed by the "sokela Betsileo" (a speech specific to the ethnic group) and a cultural performance.  

- Day 2: The official opening includes a carnival, an official speech, and an art exhibition. At noon, the organizers offer a communal meal and share zebu meat. The day continues with a cultural performance and a large popular ball, where the Betsileo dance "kidodo" is performed.  

- Day 3: Early in the morning, there is a traditional collective circumcision, followed by "tevika zazavavy" (piercing of young girls). After that, a traditional marriage proposal demonstration is held. Yes, marriage proposals in Madagascar follow a specific protocol. To close the day, you can attend the "fetrika" (a form of traditional boxing) and a cockfight.  

- Day 4: In the morning, the zebu fight opens the last day of the festival. Then, the "savika" takes place, during which a man rides a very strong zebu and must stay on its hump to finish the beast, a characteristic of Fianarantsoa. At the end of the day, the festival concludes with the awarding of prizes and the handover of the flag to the district that will host the next edition of Volambetohaka.

This program varies according to the organizing district hosting the Volambetohaka. This festival is truly rich in ancestral festivities, Betsileo customs, and various speeches and dialogues specific to the region. Attending this festival during your trip to Madagascar will be a truly enriching experience.