The national day of mourning declared on July 24 has led to the cancellation or postponement of several cultural events in Antananarivo. The national mourning has disrupted the cultural calendar. With July 24 declared a public holiday for this special occasion, several shows and evenings scheduled yesterday were cancelled or postponed. Organizers and artists adapted their programming to the circumstances, with some rescheduling their events to new dates while others chose to cancel and process ticket refunds.
Among the affected shows is "Manalazy Vita Bacc," the annual event by Olombelo Ricky, which was to take place yesterday in Antsahamanitra. In a social media statement, the artist announced the event's postponement to August 1st, at the same venue. "Given the current situation we are experiencing, the Manalazy Vita Bacc show is postponed to August 1st. The performance will still take place in Antsahamanitra and all previously purchased tickets remain valid," he announced.
Olombelo Ricky also specified that the show will take place during the day. This decision aims notably to avoid numerous discussions and controversies surrounding tragic events in the news, regarding deaths and disappearances, while allowing the public to experience this event in a more appropriate context. The artist also offered words of comfort to those affected by these events.
Other musical events have also been postponed due to this national day of mourning. This includes several events, including the Tolotra & Ony evening, which was to be held at Piment Café, as well as the show planned at La Teinturerie with Mashmanjaka and Ranto Niaina. These changes have modified the cultural program initially planned for the capital.
In Ambondrona, the decision was different. The concert scheduled for yesterday at the Novotel was cancelled, not postponed.