Sambatra is a ceremony that is held only once even seven years in the southeast of Madagascar in a town called Mananjary. It is a month-long celebration in which boys born in the preceding years undergo circumcision as a rite of passage in becoming a man. Sambatra means 'very happy' in Malagasy and it is said that no one can frown during the events. The final week of October is when many of the events take place. I traveled to the sud-est to watch these events unknowing that I was a few days too early to see most of them. Oops.
I did get to see a parade of traditional Malagasy music and dancing, and a concert. I also had my hair braided in a certain way, wore a lambahoany (patterned cloth worn around the waist), covered my shoulders, and avoided wearing balck in order to dress like the Malagasy women and show respect. I also hung out with other PCVs that I haven't seen in a while though and spent time at the ocean. I was a very relaxing and fun weekend and though I didn't see the events that I wanted to, I was able to attend a very old and traditional ceremony that only takes place once every seven years.
You know you're a PCV when:
-95 F doesn't seem so hot anymore
-You love the taste of powdered milk
-Anyone that has hired help to hand wash their laundry is considered 'bougie'
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