Traditional Bullfighting
When it comes to bullfights, most people immediately think of bloody and often cruel spectacles that, while having a high cultural and traditional value, often seem like unnecessary relics from a bygone era from today’s perspective. Bullfights are also part of the cultural heritage in many circles in Madagascar, with the local bullfights being significantly different from the Spanish fights. In Madagascar, Zebu bullfights, known as Savika or Tolon’Omby, are not just a sporting spectacle but also an important cultural tradition among various indigenous peoples on the island. These bullfights serve as a rite of passage for many young men, especially from the Betsileo tribe, seeking fame, honor, and recognition. Often held in smaller villages and communities in remote regions, witnessing such a bullfight can be a unique experience during a themed trip or a tour from Antananarivo to Tulear. Book with us for a chance to witness this traditional event along the way. Explore more about our themed trips here: Themed tours
. Informing that the Madagascan bullfights known as Savika are sometimes extremely brutal spectacles, although they are mostly only seriously dangerous for the human participants. Savika is a bullfight performed without weapons, armor, or fancy clothing, where young men from the Betsileo or Merina tribes try to cling to the neck or hump of a wild zebu for a few moments without being thrown off, injured, or trampled. Visit website to learn more about this fascinating event. We look forward to telling you more about it and giving you the opportunity to participate in this unique experience. Contact us now for more information!
Design your individual trips in a way that allows you to discover many other traditional customs and cultural highlights during your vacation in Madagascar. Feel free to contact us.
