The 18 ethnic groups of Madagascar

Madagascar: a cultural identity rich in diversity

The Malagasy population, descendants of sailors from Malaysia and Polynesia who arrived 2,000 years ago, comprises 18 ethnic communities, the result of historical migrations from Africa, Asia, and India. Although each ethnic group maintains its own traditions and customs, there is significant intermingling and peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect.

Malagasy cultural diversity is reflected in its languages, customs, and ways of life, which have evolved with modernity but maintain strong traditional roots, especially in family events and ceremonies. Visitors are welcome to explore these traditions, always respecting local customs, particularly in sacred sites. Below, we present the different ethnic groups.

THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF MADAGASCAR

• The Bara of Southern Madagascar

The Bara, a Bantu ethnic group from south-central Madagascar, are known as nomadic pastoralists and warriors who inhabit the arid Great South, a territory bordered by the Mangoky River and encompassing the Isalo Massif and the Horombe Plateau. Descendants of the African Rabiby, they deeply value their zebu herds, a symbol of prosperity and pride, and fiercely defend their independence. Their traditions include zebu raiding as a test of courage, Ringa as a form of combat training, and ancestor worship, with ceremonies such as Famadihana and burials in sacred sites and fady. Despite the passage of time, the Bara maintain a strong connection to their environment and their rich cultural identity.

• The Sihanaka

The Sihanaka, an ethnic group from northeastern Madagascar in the Alaotra Lake region, are renowned as skilled farmers, particularly in rice cultivation, making their territory the country's largest rice producer. Their culture is deeply rooted in agricultural rituals and ancestral ceremonies, such as the Sarabe to bless the rainy season and the Volam-bita , which involves zebu sacrifices and communal celebrations. They practice ancestor worship, preserving sacred graves and traditions like ritual circumcision after a child is passed over the head of a zebu. They also excel at fishing, livestock farming, and the production of crops such as maize and manioc. Their houses, once built in low-lying areas, are now situated on hills near the lake. Major festivals take place between June and September, marking the culmination of their cultural and agricultural life.

• The Tsimihety

The Tsimihety, an ethnic group in northwestern Madagascar, are known for their historical resistance to external domination and their cultural autonomy. Known as "those who do not cut their hair" due to a tradition of independence following the death of a king, they have been influenced by neighboring groups, which is reflected in their mixed dialect and shared practices such as circumcision and ancestor worship. Primarily rice farmers and herders, they also trade tobacco, citrus fruits, and other products.

Their culture includes rituals such as the "tromba," a spiritual trance, and traditional songs like the "Kôro." They also engage in activities such as beekeeping, root cultivation, and working with natural fibers.

• The Merinas

The majority ethnic group is the Merina, representing approximately 26% of the population. This group, originally from the northern highlands, holds most of the important political positions in the country.

The Merina are an ethnic group originating from the northern highlands of Madagascar, with Malay and Indonesian roots. Initially settled in the fertile valleys of the Sisaony and Ikopa rivers, they expanded rapidly under the reign of Andrianjaka, forming a large kingdom whose capital was initially known as "Imerina Ambaniandro" and later as "Antananarivo," the city of a thousand. As the dominant ethnic group on the island, the Merina left a significant mark on the country's history, undertaking numerous expeditions throughout Madagascar and opening their borders to foreigners for the exchange of knowledge and support in their conquests. They practice ancestor worship through rituals such as "Famadihana" (return of the dead), and maintain customs such as circumcision and traditional marriage ceremonies. Furthermore, their society is structured into three castes: the nobles (Andriana), the commoners (Hova), and the slaves (Mainty). They are engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.

• The Sakalava

The Sakalava, whose name means "those of the great valleys," occupy the western part of Madagascar, from Tuléar in the south to Sambirano in the north. This cultural group emerged in the 17th century from the union of several ethnic groups, with migrations from the southeast of the island. Founded by a Maroserana prince, their kingdom was divided into Menabe and Boina, where traditions such as ancestor worship, funerary art with decorated wooden tombs, and ceremonies like the Fitampoha (a bathing of royal relics every five years) are preserved.

In addition, they practice ritual circumcision called savatse and maintain customs in their daily life, such as the use of "lambahoany" in their clothing and agricultural and livestock activities centered on zebus, rice, corn and cassava.

• The Mahafaly

The Mahafaly country, located in southwestern Madagascar between the Menarandra and Onilahy rivers, is a semi-desert region rich in traditions. Historically organized into clans, the Mahafaly are known for their ancestor worship, where the number of zebus sacrificed symbolizes the importance of the deceased. They also practice savatse (circumcision) and are governed by wise men called Zakan-draza.

Their way of life is based on agriculture and pastoralism, handicrafts (especially the tapestries of Ampanihy), and mining. The region, dotted with traditional villages, is also a tourist destination thanks to its nature reserves, such as Bezaha Mahafaly and Tsimanampetsotsa, which protect unique biodiversity.

• The Bezanozano family

The Bezanozano, known as "those with the small braids," are an ethnic group in Madagascar who primarily inhabit Moramanga and the Mangoro River region. Descended from the Vazimba, their culture arose from intermarriage with the Berahoraho between the 10th and 15th centuries, most notably their distinctive braids called "zanozano." Originally organized into independent clans with fortified hilltop villages, their kingdom was conquered by the Merina in the 19th century after successive wars. They maintain traditions such as rituals for pregnant women, child acceptance ceremonies, and sacred "Tsikafana" posts. Today, Moramanga is a dynamic agricultural and commercial center, as well as a key destination for visitors to the nearby Andasibe-Mantadia National Park.

• The Antemoro

The Antemoro, settled in southeastern Madagascar, are a diverse ethnic group influenced by Arab, African, Asian, and Indian expeditions between the 13th and 16th centuries. They are divided into four sub-ethnicities, with the Ampanabaka being the most predominant, and are known for their mastery of divination, astrology, and the Sorabe script. They reside primarily in the Vohipeno region, renowned for its vibrant traditions, such as Antemoro paper decorated with dried flowers and ancestral ceremonies, including ritual sacrifices and celebrations in December. Their economy combines agriculture, with crops like coffee, pepper, and lychee, with the artisanal production of this unique paper , preserving a cultural legacy that includes strict social norms and traditional ceremonies.

• The Betsimisaraka

The Betsimisaraka, meaning "the inseparable ones," are an ethnic group from the east coast of Madagascar, formed as a confederation in the 17th and 18th centuries under Ratsimilaho to resist the European slave trade. Their territory covers 72,000 km², divided into three main communities: Antavaratra (north), Antatsimo (south), and Varimo (central), each with its own language and culture. Traditionally sedentary, they engage in fishing, agriculture, crafts, and the export of crops such as cloves, vanilla, coffee, and lychee.

Its historical capital was Fénérive Est, later moved to Tamatave because of its strategic port. They celebrate customs such as the "famadihana," a festival honoring the dead in November, with dances like the Dihy Telo, and the To-Laza, a collective circumcision between June and September. Their traditional houses are built with plant materials, and rice is their staple food.

• The Betsileo

The Betsileo, known as "the invincible many," are one of the main ethnic groups of Madagascar, located in the southern Highlands, in the Fianarantsoa region. Descended from Indonesian conquerors and the indigenous Vazimba people, they formed four kingdoms (Manandriana, Arindrano, Lalangina, and Isandra) before being conquered by the Merina between the 17th and 18th centuries. Their society was organized into castes and led by the "Ray aman-dreny," traditional wise men who oversaw rituals such as ancestor worship and circumcision. The Betsileo are renowned for their agricultural skills, especially in rice cultivation using advanced irrigation systems, and for raising zebus, a symbol of social status. Their culture deeply values traditions, celebrations, and practices such as "Famindrana," which honors the deceased through rituals of exhumation and renewal.

• The Tanala

The Tanala are an ethnic group in Madagascar, located in the southeastern region of the island, particularly in Vatovavy-Fitovinany, between the Ikongo and Ifanadiana peoples. Known for their strong sense of independence, they resisted invasions from other ethnic groups and used their forest environment for defense. According to oral traditions, they are descended from the Vazimba, an indigenous people. In the 19th century, they repelled conquest attempts by the Merina and made a pact with the French in 1898, dividing their territory into three kingdoms. Their culture includes rituals for births, marriages, and funerals, notably ceremonies such as the "Mamoaka zaza," as well as agricultural, hunting, and fishing practices. They live in hierarchical villages with houses built into cliffs and are distinguished by wearing a round hat.

• The Antesaka

The Antesaka, settled in southeastern Madagascar in the Vangaindrano district, are a people historically known for their warrior prowess and ancestral connection to the Sakalava. Their name means "those from the Sakalava country," and although they share traditions and a common ancestor, they are culturally distinct. They practice ancestor worship through double burial ceremonies and observe specific taboos, such as avoiding working for others or living with dogs, which are considered impure. Polygamous and patriarchal, women have no inheritance rights. Dedicated to agriculture and fishing, they primarily produce for export and have diversified their activities, such as pousse-pousse transport. Circumcisions between June and September are key events, accompanied by community celebrations.

• The Antambahoaka

The Antambahoaka, a small ethnic group from the Vatovavy-Fitovinany region on the southeastern coast of Madagascar, have a rich history and living traditions that reflect Arab, African, and Eastern influences dating back to the 10th century. Ruled by a king respected as the guardian of customs, they celebrate Sambatra every seven years, a month-long ritual festival that includes dances, festivities, and a collective circumcision, commemorating the voyages of their Arab ancestors.

Furthermore, they maintain taboos such as the rejection of twin births, who are now given up for adoption. For more information about the fady kambana , we recommend watching the short documentary film Kambana .

• The Antefasy

The Antefasy, one of Madagascar's 18 ethnic groups, reside in the southeast of the island, in the Farafangana region. This people, whose language and traditions are deeply rooted, trace their origins to Egypt, Polynesia, and Malaysia, and adopted Islam without abandoning their traditional practices. Historically, they migrated from the southwest in the 16th century to escape tribal conflicts. Their daily life revolves around fishing, hunting, and agriculture, including export crops such as coffee and cloves. They are governed by elders and wise men, and their customs are evident in funeral rituals and celebrations such as weddings and circumcisions. Their trade is conducted by road, as the port of Farafangana has declined in importance.

• The Antanosy

The Antanosy, an ethnic group in Madagascar settled in the Fort-Dauphin (Tolagnaro) region, are known for their warrior prowess and rich cultural traditions. Historically, they faced tensions with Portuguese colonists after the kidnapping of King Andriantsiambany's youngest son in 1643, but these subsided with the arrival of the French and the prince's return to the throne. Despite their distrust of outsiders, the Antanosy have maintained their traditions, such as ancestor worship, which includes collective burials and the erection of memorial stones. They also practice "Bilo," a spirit possession ritual used for healing or resolving problems. Renowned for their skills as fishermen and artisans, they celebrate the "Feria Oramena" each year, a festival honoring lobster, while the women excel in weaving and cultivating staple foods like rice and manioc.

• The Antandroy

The Antandroy are a nomadic pastoral people who inhabit southern Madagascar, in one of the island's driest regions, known as Androy. They are believed to have Arab, Jewish, and Indo-Pakistani origins, but their identity is deeply rooted in austere pastoral culture. They speak a Malayo-Polynesian dialect and maintain ancestral traditions, such as a death cult in which the zebu (a mythical creature) plays a central role. The Antandroy are known for their prowess in warfare and divination, and the tombs of the dead, especially those of royalty, can be very large and ornate. Their economy is based primarily on livestock, although some also engage in sapphire mining and tattooing. The lack of water limits agriculture, and the market in Ambovombe is an important center for the exchange of local goods.

• The Antakarana

The Antakarana are an ethnic group inhabiting northern Madagascar, primarily between Ambilobe and Cape Ambre, in the Tsingy massif. They originally migrated from the Sakalava region in the 17th century, seeking refuge in the area's rock formations and caves. Despite internal tensions and conflicts with neighboring ethnic groups, the Antakarana maintain a strong unity centered around their traditions and respect for their ancestors. One of their most important rituals is the "Tsangantsaigny," a ceremony held every five years, during which a royal pole is erected, accompanied by dances and festivities, including a collective circumcision. The practice of ancestor worship, "Tsakafara," is also significant. In their daily lives, the royal pole is a symbol of power and justice, and their main economic activities are fishing and livestock farming.

• The Vezo

The Vezo, a nomadic fishing people, inhabit the southwest coast of Gran Isla, especially between Toliara and Morombe, though their population also extends from Androka to Majunga. Traditionally, they relied exclusively on fishing, catching sharks, sea turtles, fish, and shellfish. Their connection to the sea is so profound that they consider it their mother, and they only fish what they need to feed themselves. They perform rituals before consuming turtles and follow strict rules in their funeral practices. Despite their semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Vezo face the overexploitation of marine resources, and are therefore shifting toward a more sedentary way of life. During the off-season, they migrate to nearby islands to fish and survive using various techniques, including fishing from shore and using pirogues (small fishing boats) that they make themselves.

The Mikea

The Mikea people, rather than being an independent ethnic group, are a socioeconomic group comprised of families and clans originating from larger communities, such as the Vezos and Masikoros. They adopted a nomadic lifestyle to preserve their independence in the face of Merino invasion and French colonization. They reside in the Mikea Forest on the southwest coast of the island, where they combine hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation.

Their spiritual life revolves around ancestor worship, with practices such as trance dances and songs to communicate with them, as well as beliefs in forest spirits. They live in family camps with an egalitarian social organization. Although culturally related to the Vezo and Masikoro, their strong dependence on the forest and their way of life distinguish them.

Economically, they rely on gathering tubers, hunting small game, fishing, and seasonally cultivating corn. They also work for wages to obtain goods or money. However, they face threats such as deforestation, lack of access to basic services (education and health), and health problems, which endanger their culture and environment.

Initiatives promoting sustainable tourism seek to protect the Mikea forest and the way of life of this community, demonstrating to the government the importance of conserving this unique heritage. Despite the challenges, the Mikea are a symbol of resilience and a deep connection with their natural environment.

Madagascar offers an authentic and moving experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in the daily lives of its ethnic groups, preserving a unique cultural richness that is an integral part of their identity. Baobab Travels invites you to explore these traditions, always respecting local customs.