Tsagantsaina, Madagascar ranks among the popular festivals in Madagascar. The festival is mostly celebrated by the tribes of the northern part of the country and is widely celebrated. Tsagantsaina, Madagascar is celebrated at a span of 5 years and also attracts plenty of tourists.
The Tsagantsaina in Madagascar is a traditional festival which is made to mark respect to the royal family. Local people as well as foreign tourists enjoy to the fullest during the festival. The tribal communities make song and dance performances. One of the popular performances of the festival is a unique dance of the stick, popularly known as manimpa. Apart from these, there are folk dance performances and by the tribal communities. One of the main parts of the festival is the erection of the royal flag and the king’s picture. The local people go to the woodlands and cur trees to make the flag. After completion of the flag, it is taken to the main village center and hoisted amidst lots of celebration.
Animal sacrifices and prayers are also a part of Tsagantsaina. After the sacrifices, the people assemble in the local shrine and pray to mark respect to the ancient kings and sovereigns. The prayers are conducted by the wise men and the holy priests. There are various stages in the festival like:
- Pilgrimage of the royal baths with wise men
- Pilgrimage in the caves of Ankarana
- Cutting the wood and making the royal mast
- Erection of the national flag with the picture of the king in the village of Ambatoharanana.
The Tsagantsaina, Madagascar is one of the popular tourist attractions in Madagascar. Travelers come to watch this festival to have a feel of the tribal culture and rich tradition. They can experience the local tribal customs and lifestyle by participating in the festival. The local tourist board and various travel agencies offer cultural tours to the festival. Most tours start from the capital city and are made in cars or buses. The tourists are assisted by local guided who pass on useful and interesting facts about the festival. Mouth watering local dishes can also be tasted in the festival.
To get more information on Tsagantsaina, Madagascar, click on travel.mapsofworld
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