Asaramanitra, the Malagasy new year

It is a celebration based on the old Malagasy lunar calendar. The choice of the date generated polemic. The organizers however claimed the cultural importance of the event causes the curiosity of tourists. Reason for which the regional office of tourism of Antananarivo was implied in the celebration besides the Mamelomaso association. This organization has invested itself for a few years in the restoration of the cultural inheritances relating to the Malagasy royalty in the central areas of the Large Island. The organizers hope to celebrate Asaramanitra annually in order to attract more foreign tourists. The celebration of Asaramanitra did not take place since the beginning of colonization.

On the 300.000 foreign tourists who travel to Madagascar annually, 16% say to be more particularly attracted by Malagasy cultural diversity.