Late celebration of the malagasy independence day!

by Colin Rajaonarivony

LONDON - (ForMad 10.07.2002) - On sunday evening, july 6, the malagasy diaspora of Great-Britain and their friends met at the Conway Hall in Holborn, London to commemorate the 26th of june, the independence day of Madagascar.

It was a unique opportunity for the great melting pot of the diaspora to meet and celebrate. The welcoming smiles at the entrance door made every guest feel straight at home.

The celebration was opened with a speech and a prayer by mr Thomas Tomozara, a native of Nosy-be. He was visibly moved when he shared the latest news from Madagascar. Then Hanitra Rasoanaivo of the Tarika group led the singing of the Malagasy National Anthem.

Good malagasy food was served along with a live animation of dancers from the London Malagasy community. The guitar virtuoso Modest Hughes, a native of Betroka, gave the public a taste of his talents. The traditional "afindrafindrao and Salegy" drew enthusiastic guests to the dance floor.

It was mainly a cultural event but passionate discussions among the guests on political issues and the role of the diaspora were heard.

It was encouraging to see the ties of "fihavanana" being nurtured so far away from the "Tanindrazana"!