The 13th edition of the Sômarôho Festival has opened in Nosy Be with a massive turnout, confirming its status as an essential cultural event. Thirteen years after its inception, the festival has become a deeply rooted tradition for the residents of the island and the Diana region.
The excitement was palpable from the early hours, with long queues of vehicles at the Ankify port waiting to cross to Nosy Be. Speedboats operated continuously to transport thousands of festival-goers. In Hell-Ville, streets were packed as residents gathered to watch the opening carnival, which featured over thirty cultural associations showcasing their creativity and local identity.
The official ceremony at the Ambodivoanio stadium was attended by civil and military authorities, including the Minister of Communication and Culture, Gascar Fenosoa. This marked the first time a government minister has officially participated in the festival. The Minister announced plans to propose the elevation of the festival’s founder, Joël Isoufaly Andriamahazo (known as Wawa), to the rank of Commander of the National Order, and pledged to explore state financial support for future editions.
Wawa emphasized that the festival, themed “Sômarôho nintsika jiaby” (Sômarôho for all), now belongs to the entire population rather than just his group. Beyond its artistic impact, the festival has become a vital economic engine for Nosy Be, with this edition marking a new milestone in its history as it seeks to expand its reach beyond Madagascar’s borders.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-06 05:54:25 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/festival-somaroho-lile-aux-parfums-en.html