“Santa-Bary”, the party that marks the first rice harvest of the year will be celebrated with great fanfare at Antanetibe Mahazaza. It marks the start of the period of abundance in the countryside. This celebration draws its roots from the ancient agricultural traditions of Madagascar. In the old days, it was customary to offer to the king or the queen, but also to the authorities and former village, the most beautiful wreath of rice as “santa-bary” to honor them, because of the auspicious period to come, and especially to ask for their blessing because the season of the premiums of rice or Santa-Bary coincides with the most conducive period to start his projects. Rossy adds in this regard: “The projects come true and go well when they are accompanied by the blessing. And when the crops are substantial, it is not only necessary to thank the creator but to show gratitude towards the authorities also ”.
An upcoming festival
“In the 1960s, the Santa-Bary was celebrated through a very sumptuous party”recalls Rossy, who has abandoned the city to live in the great outdoors, in the countryside, now devoting himself to breeding and agriculture with the Gentlemen Farmers. “This tradition has been lost but we want to reconnect with these practices that are part of our identity”he adds. This is how a great show “Bapamba Glâdy Be” will be held on the big field of Antanetibe Mahazaza in the Ankazobe district on June 1 to mark the “Santa-Bary 2025”. Tarika Rossy will perform on stage for a festive atmosphere worthy of the big festivals. Moreover, from next year, the Santa-Bary will be the subject of a festival in this town which is already known for the egg festival.
A return to traditions
It is not only a question of festive celebrations but a return to tradition and especially to the cultural values which unfortunately tend to be lost, such as solidarity or “fihavanana”, including the “Valin-Tanana” which had allowed the Malagasy to work together and to cooperate in equity while tightening the links of the members of the community, among others. “This celebration aims to be unifying and aims to publicize and transmit traditions to the younger generations”underlines Firmin Rakotonomenjanahary, the mayor of Antanetibe-Mahazaza who is convinced that most young people are unaware of Malagasy traditions.
The local authorities of this commune as well as Rossy, one of the initiators of the future festival are therefore already in a phase of preparation of this future project, but in the meantime, all Madagascar is invited to discover this traditional celebration of the beginnings of rice and the grandiose party which is preparing on June 1, during which a full show of Tarika Rossy in all its states will be offered to the public.
Hanitra Andria