The Island is a melting-pot of ethnic groups: Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole and Comoran. Major ethnic groups in the interior are the Merina (Hova) and the related Betsileo. The coastal areas are inhabited mainly by peoples of mixed Malayo-Indonesian, black African, and Arab ancestry. The population of Madagascar, however, is remarkably homogeneous in terms of language. Unlike most African countries, the vast majority speak the indigenous national Malagasy language. Population: 14,061,627 (July 1997 est.)

Fady

Fady are taboos on the use of certain substances, particularly foods, or on the performance, including the timing, of certain acts. They continue to regulate much of Malagasy life. The matter of taboo is very important in the Malagasy society. Each tribe, each region have their own "forbidden" behavior, acts etc. Those fady are transmitted through generation and some are just created by the astrologer or "Ombiasa", or the respectful person in the village or area. It is then recommended to everybody to follow the advise of the native when they travel around. For example, to deny hospitality to a stranger is fady, as is the act of refusing this hospitality. According to one fady, it is wrong to sit in the doorway of a house while the rice is sprouting, since the door of the house is compared to the "gateway" of birth and by blocking it, one might impede the "birth" of the rice.There are also some sacred place or sites in the Island because people believe that some spirits of the ancestors are living there and they offer sacrifices like zebu, red " "chicken and rhum but never human sacrifice. In any traditional ceremonies, zebu and rhum are very important symbols.

It is important to remember, however, that fady, particularly dietary prohibitions, vary widely among different ethnic groups, and from village to village within the same ethnic group. To be at home in a different locality, travellers must acquaint themselves with a large number of local variations. Island Continent Tours is well aware of these customs throughout the island and can advice you about the do's and don'ts.

The turning of the bones

In the highlands, you can see the music and storytelling spectacles called hira gasy, or the lively, colourful reburial rituals known as famadihana, or "turning of the bones." From time to time, the Merina people dig up a dead ancestor to hold a family reunion. The living relatives go wild for a day or two of eating, drinking, and - quite literally - dancing with the dead to ensure a happy afterlife. The famadihana is costly, mainly because of the expense of providing food for a large number of relatives and guests. Zebu cattle are slaughtered and huge feasts are prepared for the celebration. Finally, a farewell ceremony is undertaken, and the body is showered with gifts and returned to the tomb. Since a stranger's presence is an good omen, there's a good chance you'll be invited to one if you friends with Merina people. August or September (the Malagasy winter) is the high season for Famadihana. The Merina people are located in the central highlands, around the city of Antananarivo.