From July 23 to 26, Antsohihy will host the fourth edition of the Dona-Be Festival, an event showcasing the cultural wealth of Sofia with an enhanced artistic program. The culture of Sofia will be at the heart of the fourth edition of the Dona-Be Festival. From July 23 to 26, Antsohihy will vibrate to the rhythm of around thirty artists, traditional dances, local gastronomy and numerous activities designed to reveal the region's identity.
Created by Dadi Love, a native of Antsohihy, and sponsored by Yas Madagascar, the Dona-Be Festival was born from the desire to make his city known and promote Sofia's culture. According to the organizers: "The objective is to transform Antsohihy, located in the heart of the region, into a true cultural crossroads and to attract passing visitors so they can discover, over several days, local traditions, language, dances, gastronomy and hospitality."
This new edition takes a step forward with more professional organization and an enriched artistic program. Among the announced artists are Dadi Love, Rijade, Wendy Cathalina, Lico Kininike, Annicette, Parish, and several other artists, accompanied by DJs who will provide the musical atmosphere during the festival. The organizers wish to highlight Sofia's cultural wealth through the region's emblematic dances, namely tsahobaka, baoejy and malesa, as well as cultural exhibitions and demonstrations.
Local gastronomy will also be valued with a space dedicated to regional specialties, notably Antsohihy crab, while other typical dishes are still being prepared. After improvements made during the third edition, marked by the installation of new structures, a stage, lighting effects and giant screens, the festival continues its growth. This year, the site will be further developed and the opening carnival strengthened to offer a more spectacular show and better reflect the festival's image.
The artistic program is also evolving. While the Dona-Be Festival continues to support artists from the region, it now welcomes highly anticipated artists, particularly for young people, to make the celebration even more attractive. The event also maintains a strong social dimension. This edition plans free ophthalmological consultations and treatments, actions for children and pregnant women, as well as other initiatives to support populations. Following donations made the previous year to Antsohihy prison, the committee also plans to help neighborhoods lacking street lighting. After a third edition that increased the festival's visibility, the Dona-Be Festival continues its development with the ambition of sustainably promoting Sofia's culture.