July 4, 2004
"Independence Day"
by Laurel Redding

June 26th, 1960 - the Malagasy independence day (independence from the French, as I was so kindly reminded). Independence day is a fun holiday to celebrate in Madagascar. When we were already in Tana, four days before the actual holiday, we could hear little kids setting off firecrackers in the yard outside Luke's house. At the site in Ankarafantsika, it was the opportunity for the constructioners to take a week off (!) and for the local villagers to make the days festive - from quizzes for the local school kids, to butt-shaking dances (called dumbolos) that give a whole new meaning to the phrase "shake your tailfeather". Sporadic night dances and music and even fireworks could be heard throughout the village at night.

The day itself was well-attended, though somewhat slow-paced. We went to the town of Andranofasika for the day of. Events were scheduled to start around 8:30, so, of course, the first speech didn't take place until 11:00 am. The highlight of the morning was a bike race (6 people, 30 km, only 3 people who crossed the finish line!) and a self-congratulating speech by the mayor. However, what seemed like the entire village was in attendance which gave us the terrific experience of seeing and getting to know the local area and people, as well as being the center of attention as the only vasas in town. It was also a terrific photo opp, as little kids dressed in their finest wear would gather around us in groups, beaming from ear to ear, giggling at our big bulky cameras and oohing and aahing in delight at seeing pictures of themselves on the LCD screens of our digital cameras.