The 27th edition of the Sôrogno Festival places cocoa at the heart of celebrations in Ambanja. Culture, economy and sport will shape the four-day event. During the opening carnival of the Sôrogno Festival, the main road crossing the city to Ambanja stadium was packed with crowds. Large numbers of people lined the entire route to witness the spectacle. Ambanja, Madagascar's cocoa capital, is preparing to vibrate to the rhythm of the 27th Sôrogno Festival. Now an unmissable gathering, the event has carried for 26 years the ambition to promote the cultural, sporting and, now, economic identity of Sambirano. Since its creation, the Festival has never experienced interruption, despite organizational difficulties and various crises the country has faced over the years. The term "Sôrogno" refers to the sea, specifically the movement of tides, between high and low tide. This image also symbolizes the festival's ambition to accompany the progress and development of the Sambirano region. Originally, three major dimensions structure this event: culture, economy and sport. During the first 26 editions, cultural and sporting activities dominated the program. For this 27th edition, the committee wants to rebalance the formula by giving much greater importance to the economy. Since cocoa is one of Ambanja's main economic identities, the Festival now intends to give it a central place. This is why an economic fair is organized as part of the event. The initiative is not entirely new. A first experience was conducted in 2017, a year that notably contributed to the establishment of the National Cocoa Council in Ambanja. This year, the objective is to strengthen this economic dimension. Several companies have responded to the committee's call and will present their products and expertise during the four days of celebration. Universities are also participating in the event to guide young people recently admitted to the baccalaureate in their orientation and university pathway choices. Mega-Concert Yesterday, a conference organized as a workshop was held at Palma Nova hotel around two particularly current themes: "Culture and Cocoa Valorization" and "Juvenile Delinquency." Through this second theme, organizers wish to open debate on an issue increasingly concerning society. On the sporting front, activities have already begun for nearly a month, in both Upper and Lower Sambirano. Football, a traditionally very popular discipline in the district, has been joined by basketball. This edition also innovates with the organization of a semi-marathon race. Culture and music will obviously remain at the heart of the Festival. Numerous artists will perform on the stage of Ambanja municipal stadium to entertain evening shows during the four days of festivities. The traditional carnival kicked off the Festival yesterday, followed by an evening dance at Palma Nova, with Din Rotsaka and Docteur Love. Friday afternoon will feature traditional dance with a performance to highlight the cultural heritage of the Sakalava Bemazava, notably through "rebika" (royal dance), "Maganja"... Friday, Saturday and Sunday, artists will perform on Ambanja stadium stage for evening shows. Among the announced names are Anicette, Kayo 504, LC Barbo Jalengo, Luco Kininike, Tence Mena, Basta Lion, Rijade, Tony Jah from Réunion and Jahidy from Mayotte... The local scene will also be highlighted with the participation of the trendy young artist and Ambanja native, Barbo Dihy. While Sunday, Dady Love, preceded by Maman Tsôlôlô, will beautifully close the musical program of this edition. The last day will also be marked by a traditional morengy fight, a discipline that represents another expression of the region's sporting and cultural heritage. Two matches are scheduled: Double Bôlô against Deba Ambodipô, then Armand Boîte Noire facing Lalin Tetateta. "Ambanja is the cocoa capital of Madagascar. This particular identity is our main motivation. It is what drives us, as an organizing committee, to love and promote our city through this festival," explains Dr Malaza Ramahaimananjato, secretary general of the organizing committee.