Christmas in madagascar

2. Madagascar is an Island off the east coast of
Africa, so it is very warm at Christmas time in
Madagascar! Even though it's hot, common
decorations include holly, robins and snow even
though none of them exist in Madagascar!
The official language of Madagascar is Malagasy.
‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year' in
Malagasy is 'Mirary Krismasy sambatra sy
Taona vaovao tonga lafatra ho anao ’

3. Most Madagascan's only exchange small presents.
In Madagascar, Santa Claus is called 'Dadabe
Noely'.
Most people go to Church on Christmas Eve in
Madagascar. The services start about 5.00pm
and last until after midnight! Different groups in
the Church, especially children, perform songs
and plays celebrating the birth of Jesus. People
also go to Church on Christmas Day as well.
After the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
service, churches give out sweets or biscuits to
the people in the Church.

4. Here are some Madagascan Christmas Carols!
Sambasamba Zanahary (Which means 'It's a big opportunity Lord that you send your only Son to save us from our
sin')
Sambasamba, Zanahary
Tamin'ny nampidinanao
Ny Zanakao malalanao
Mba hisolo ny helokay
Tamin'ny nampidinanao
Ny Zanakao, malalanao, malalanao
Mba hisolo ny helokay
Avia Ry Mino (is the Malagsy translation of 'Oh Come all ye Faithful'.
Avia ry mino! Hifaly sy hihoby,
Avia, avia hankany Betlehema;
Teraka Jeso tompon'ny anjely
Avia hitsaoka Azy (x3) izay Tomponao
Tompon'ny Tompo, Andriananahary.
Nefa mba zana-behivavy koa
Zanak'I Maria, nefa Zanahary;
Avia hitsaoka Azy (x3) izay Tomponao
Derao ry anjely, mohobia mafy,
Ry mponina an-danitra ao ambony ao
Dera sy laza atolory Azy
Avia hitsaoka Azy (x3) izayTomponao
He arahaba, tonga aty an-tany
Ny Tompo Mpamonjy sy Mpanjaka koa,
Tenin'ny Rainy voatafy nofo,
Avia hitsaoka Azy (x3) izay Tomponao!
This poem is very popular with all Malagasy Children:
Krismasy re no tonga (Christmas is coming)
Falifaly ny kilonga (Children are happy)
Krismasy tena fety (Chrismas is really a feast)
Ho an'ny kely sy vaventy (For littles and for adults)
On Christmas Day people (even strangers) greet each by saying 'Arahaba tratry ny Noely' which means 'Merry
Christmas'.
Madagascan families like to eat Christmas dinner together in large groups and dress up in the best (or new) clothes.
The meal is normally Chicken or Pork with rice followed by a special cake. Some rich people go to restaurants for
Christmas dinner, but most people stay at home with their families. A special Christmas food in Madagascar are
fresh lychees, which are bought from shops and street sellers, fresh from the trees. The streets get covered in
lychee skins!