Traditional Hiragasy performers return to the capital for a cultural duel

Two renowned Hiragasy troupes will perform in Ampefiloha, a district in Madagascar's capital, for a traditional cultural event.

The Fédération des mpiHiragasy de Madagascar organized the gathering to bring the ancient art form back to the city after several months of performances in rural areas. The Rafaralahy Raymond troupe from Ambatoantrano and the Razakason troupe from Fenoarivo will compete in a public joute called Hiragasy Goavam-be. The Rafaralahy Raymond group uses humor and stories about daily life to engage spectators.

The Razakason group has gained popularity in recent years and will face the other troupe in a display of skill and rhetoric. Hiragasy is a folk art that combines music, dance, and kabary, a traditional form of oral poetry. Performers use these elements to deliver social messages while entertaining the audience. This event aims to preserve and promote the tradition as a living heritage for people in the capital.