Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka

View on map
Arts & CultureAntananarivo
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsHira Gasy Makotrokotroka gives visitors
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: MGA
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka in Antananarivo

Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka is a free Sunday performance series held from August through October at Andohalo in Antananarivo. Organized since 2009 by the Commune Urbaine d'Antananarivo and the regional tourism office Ortana, around twenty troupes from across Madagascar compete in duels, two troupes performing each Sunday over the two-month run.

Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka is a recurring free performance series held at Andohalo, a historic public square in Antananarivo, running each year from August through October.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka gives visitors sustained, repeated access to hiragasy, a traditional Malagasy performance form combining oratory, song and dance, rather than a single festival day

02

The mystery stays covered

Its duel format, pitting two troupes against each other each Sunday, creates a competitive structure that has driven troupes from across Madagascar to take part since the series began in 2009

03

The city starts moving

Because the event is free and recurring weekly across three months, it functions as an ongoing cultural institution at Andohalo rather than a one-time spectacle

04

The water draws everyone in

With around twenty troupes rotating through the season, visitors who attend multiple Sundays can observe a range of performance styles and regional interpretations of the hiragasy tradition

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Hiragasy is a traditional Malagasy performance form blending oratory

Water and renewal

Living ritual

song and dance

The sacred route

Living ritual

historically used to mark community occasions and convey moral or social messages

The local code

Living ritual

The Makotrokotroka series preserves the traditional duel format in which two troupes perform competitively before an audience

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Antananarivo you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended for standing or sitting outdoors, and sun protection is useful given the daytime, dry-season timing.

Safety

Keep photography restrained at Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka; give people room and treat community moments as more than scenery.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

MGA

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map18.91 S, 47.54 EOpen in Google Maps

Antananarivo, Analamanga, Madagascar

Nearest airportTNR — Ivato
TransportStay close enough to the part of Antananarivo you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Antananarivo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Antananarivo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended for standing or sitting outdoors, and sun protection is useful given the daytime, dry-season timing.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Madagascar and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka?

Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka is listed for Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Hira Gasy Makotrokotroka take place?

The festival is listed in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Antananarivo, Analamanga, Madagascar

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusNeeds editorial review
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →