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Tsanga-tsainy in Ambatoharanana/Antakarana region
Tsanga-tsaina, also spelled Tsangantsainy, is the most important traditional celebration of the Antakarana people, held every five years at Ambatoharanana, their former capital in northern Madagascar. A ritual mast bearing emblems of unity and loyalty to the monarchy is raised amid singing, dancing, sacrifices and prayers, while the king's family undertakes a pilgrimage and royal bath at the sacred cave of Ankarana on Nosy Mitsio.
Tsanga-tsaina, sometimes written Tsangantsainy, is considered the most important traditional celebration of the Antakarana people, an ethnic group of northern Madagascar with a monarchy centered historically at Ambatoharanana.