Madagascar Reseguide

• • The concept of 'fihavanana' — kinship, solidarity, and social harmony — underpins Malagasy life; politeness, patience, and avoiding direct confrontation are highly valued.
• • Many communities observe 'fady' (local taboos) that vary by region and village — these can forbid certain foods, pointing at tombs, or visiting sites on certain days; always ask your guide and respect them.
• • Ancestors are central to Malagasy belief; tombs are often more elaborate than homes, and the 'famadihana' (turning of the bones) reburial ceremony is a joyful occasion honoring the dead.
• • Greetings matter: take time to say hello and exchange pleasantries before getting to business; rushing is considered rude.
• • Use your right hand, or both hands, when giving or receiving items, and avoid pointing directly at people or tombs.
• • Rice is eaten at virtually every meal and is the heart of the cuisine; declining food offered as hospitality can cause offense, so accept at least a little.

Dress is generally modest and casual. Lightweight clothing suits the tropical coast, while the highlands around Antananarivo can be cool, so bring layers. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages, churches, and rural areas, and dress respectfully near tombs and at ceremonies. Beachwear is fine at resorts but not in towns.

Roughly half the population follows Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), often blended with traditional ancestor veneration, while there are Muslim communities especially on the coast. Respect church services and dress modestly when attending. Show deep respect at tombs and during ancestral ceremonies such as famadihana — never photograph people or rituals without permission, and always heed local fady taboos.