Inherited from ancestors and passed down through generations, the traditions of Imady remain deeply rooted in the daily lives of its inhabitants. From the famadihana (bone-turning ceremony) to the mutual aid system known as “atero ka alao,” the community continues to preserve its cultural identity while respecting the values bequeathed by their elders.
At a time when many ancestral practices are disappearing due to modernization, Imady stands as an exception. In this Betsileo locality, traditions and customs remain central to the population’s life. Every ceremony, whether it is a famadihana, a house inauguration, a wedding, or a rite of passage, is organized according to rules passed down by ancestors.
“The famadihana is a heritage we received from our ancestors. We have perpetuated it from generation to generation to remind us of the bonds that unite our extended family, to introduce each new generation, and to pay tribute to our departed parents,” explains Jacquot Randriamampianina, representative of the Anaran-dray Lazalay Sanimbo Tsimanamahaofa in Imady.
Solidarity remains one of Imady’s greatest assets, expressed through the “atero ka alao” system—a chain of mutual aid between families. When a family organizes a ceremony, relatives mobilize spontaneously, contributing zebu, money, rice, or gifts. These contributions are carefully recorded to be returned when another family organizes a similar event, ensuring the community remains united.
Modernization has not erased these traditions. While contemporary music and sound equipment have been integrated into festivities, they complement rather than replace ancestral practices. This was recently illustrated during the Famadihan-drazana Tera-Dramandiamanana Andraranina-Ambohipo, where modern artistic performances coexisted with traditional kabary (speeches), blessings, and ancestral rites, proving that cultural heritage can be preserved while evolving with the times.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-05 06:08:45 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/patrimoine-culturel-imady-perpetue-les.html