For its second edition, which will take place from July 2 to 10, this festival will once again honor humpback whales. Indeed, they spend each austral winter in the warm waters of the Malagasy island of Sainte Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha. At the initiative of the Cétamada association, the Sainte Marie tourism office, and the local population, this festival aims to raise awareness among villagers and visitors about the protection of whales and the environment in a festive spirit.
A parade to showcase the island’s cultural wealthVisitors won’t have time to get bored during the eight days of the festival. The most anticipated event is none other than the parade organized by the association « les drôles de dames. » With the participation of the 17 villages of the island showcasing their culture, customary songs, and dances, this year’s theme for the parade is « tradition, culture, and… recycling. » To encourage residents and walkers to protect their environment, the floats will represent different aspects of the island’s history, culture, or the daily life of its inhabitants. As for the participants’ costumes, they will be partly made from recycled objects. At the end of the carnival, a jury chaired by the patron of the festival, Julien Lepers, will select the most beautiful float and the winning village.
Whale protection at the heart of the eventThroughout the festival, sea outings will be organized by the Cétamada association. Accompanied by a specialized ecovolunteer guide, participants will learn how to approach and observe cetaceans and will gain insight into the association’s actions. Cétamada is developing ecotourism alongside its scientific research on humpback whales. Since 2011, the team, which includes around twenty people, has been able to raise awareness among nearly 16,000 tourists about the protection of large marine mammals and their environment. The association’s actions also extend on land by advocating with villages for environmental protection and improving the living conditions of the island’s inhabitants.
The festival will also offer film screenings that are accessible free of charge to all visitors. Among these films, several documentaries will be shown, including « In the Wake of the Whale, » « The Migratory People, » and « The Turtle That Came From Elsewhere. » For children, animated films will be shown (Nemo, Happy Feet…). They will also be able to participate in activities aimed at making them aware, in a fun way, of whale and environmental protection. Conferences will also be organized on seabirds, turtles, mangroves, and waste recycling.
A big celebration for eight daysFor a week, a true village of about fifty stands will be set up in Sainte Marie. Visitors will be able to discover local crafts and meet organizations present on the island (including Cétamada). Concerts and lively evenings will punctuate the week, along with several excursions to discover or rediscover the island and its history linked to piracy or French presence. Dives are also planned. For the more athletic, discovering the island can be done by running through the whale trail. A mountain bike race will also be offered, along with a beach soccer tournament, a canoe race, and a pétanque competition.
Although whales have always been part of the lives of the villagers of Nosy Boraha, this festival is well on its way to becoming a must-attend event in Malagasy life.
Margot Harty
Information and programming: www.festivaldesbaleines.comCover photo: © Cétamada / C. RandrianarivonySave
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