Malagasy People and Culture by Hotel ★★★ Gourmet Restaurant Coco Lodge Majunga.
The Malagasy population (about 21 million inhabitants) is rural to more of ¾ and a large majority of them live mainly food agriculture. The discovery of agricultural activities, and in the villages, daily life is one of the main attractions of the big island.
Rice.
Impossible to discuss Madagascar without dealing with the theme of rice. The country lives to the rhythm of the two seasons of rice (harvest in December/January and April). Landscapes which are often complemented by a patchwork of small rice paddies also significantly change over the seasons. Scenes from transplanting or harvesting provide stunning images. The Malagasy people have with this grass, which is their basic starch, a report that goes well beyond simple food and every stage of cultivation gives rise to feasts and rites.
The zebu.
Ubiquitous in the decor also : the zebu. Very long, There are more cattle in Madagascar than inhabitants ! If the proportions are reversed today, the huge herds that, the South date back to the gates of the capital, inevitably intersect (especially along the RN7). Guards who roam in several weeks hundreds of kilometers have a commercial interest in transporting their beasts in truck. But, weight of tradition... Beyond the meat it provides, the zebu is revered and often associated with worship rites (sacrifices). More than a simple capital, the zebu is the symbol of all values. The color of her dress expresses the happy circumstances or painful of the life. The bucranes (skull and horns) adorn the tombs. Their number is then in connection with (What was) the power of the deceased.
Betsileo or «Savika» bullfighting which consists to cling as long possible to bump these beautiful animals, is intended to pay tribute to their strength. Need to attend these performances, Fianarantsoa or surrounding villages, When music and traditional costumes join the party.
ZeBu cattle are regularly associated with the work in the fields. You will see small herds, harangued by young guardians, who trample the soil to prepare the rice transplanting. Approach you and proudly these teens will improvise a "Savika" to show you both their bravery and admiration they have for their animals.
by Hôtel★★★ Restaurant gourmand Coco Lodge Majunga.
