[Around the field, more precisely on the podium, the artistic group Sisca, very popular in Antsiranana, livens up the Morengy match with their tropical rhythms and songs.]

A sports match enlivened by an artistic show, two real and different things coming together in the same event! The union of sport and culture is a popular style in the North of Madagascar. Previously, when we were passing through Antsiranana, or Diego Suarez as the locals still prefer to call it, friends working in the region's tourism sector suggested we go see a Morengy match. A few days later, we were able to attend a Morengy final tournament taking place in Antsiranana. This is an opportunity for us to report on this event, featuring morengy alongside the performance of tropical music artists "mafana," gathered on the same field. Both are as popular as salegy in the north and attract large crowds. This is voandalana, a gift we would like to share with our dear readers.

Simple ring

Morengy, sometimes spelled moraingy, is much more than just a sport in Madagascar: it embodies a living tradition, a cultural heritage, and a must-see spectacle for the local population. In Antsiranana, formerly Diego Suarez, in the north of the island, this traditional combat attracts thousands of curious and passionate spectators every year.

Located in Antsiranana, the Barman SCAMA field is the emblematic venue where major morengy competitions take place. The arena, simple but symbolic, is marked out on the ground. Spectators can choose between seats in the covered grandstand, with a price of 15,000 ariary, or the more affordable outdoor seating at 10,000 ariary.

The popularity of morengy in Antsiranana translates into a large crowd. Morengy attracts fans not only in the bush, but also in the city, including the population of Antsiranana. Here, this traditional type of boxing remains everlastingly popular, as is also the case for the tropical variety show "mafana"! Regardless of gender or age, there are men who are fans of morengy, as well as women, seniors, and children.

Traditional Boxing

Among the participants in this final tournament are renowned players, including Martial, Shaolin, Devlin, Jobilahy Canon, Big Show, Cybor Be Kaka, and Black Man2. The latter are well-known to the public, and their fans flock to see them in action. However, morengy isn't just for stars: players not listed in the official program can also participate.

Morengy is an exclusively male sport, a traditional boxing match in which participants compete using punching and kicking techniques. Some observers compare it to a mix of savate boxing and karate.

The course of a fight is ritualized: a fighter prepares, steps onto the field, and raises his fist to challenge anyone who dares to face him. When an opponent accepts, an agreement is reached in the presence of the referee. Fights often consist of several rounds, with a winner and loser determined at the end. Spectators can cheer on their favorite by donating money or placing bets. The match usually begins at 1 p.m. and continues until sunset. Each save, each blow landed, is either cheered or booed, depending on the spectators' camp. Others also take the opportunity to taste khat, a plant familiar to the region. All this is part of the atmosphere.

Morengy matches are not limited to brute force: they require mastery, discipline, and intuition. The fighter must know how to read his opponent's gaze, anticipate their movements, and time their attacks. This balancing act between instinct and strategy is reminiscent of Asian martial arts, although morengy retains a resolutely African and Malagasy essence.

Songs and Dances

The show doesn't just take place in the ring. Around the field, more precisely on the podium, the Sisca artistic group, very popular in Antsiranana, livens up the morengy match with their tropical rhythms and songs. The dancers take the stage, the musicians redouble their intensity, and sometimes, the tempo of the drums seems to follow the rhythm of the blows landed on the field.

The atmosphere is both sporty and festive, a true popular gala where culture is expressed in all its richness. The songs recall the ancient Antsa or Rary, those war celebrations where, in the past, the people sang to encourage the soldiers before battle, or to exalt victory. Today, these same vibrations animate the Barman SCAMA field in Antsiranana, proving that morengy is the heir to a collective memory that is still alive. Evolving

While morengy was once practiced bare-handed, sometimes in a ritual or festive context, it is now tending to modernize. Currently, some clubs are being organized, official regulations are emerging, and regional tournaments are being established. However, despite this shift toward modernization, the spirit of morengy remains.

Younger generations continue to find it a school of life: discipline, endurance, and courage. In the neighborhoods of Antsiranana, young people are often seen training. The practice of morengy illustrates their commitment to bravery, respect for the rules, and artistic expression through movement and music. Although Antsiranana has preserved buildings with architecture dating from the French colonial period, morengy remains a living symbol of Malagasy identity and Antakarana culture. Future

A morengy match is also an opportunity for reunions between (old) friends, relatives, etc. A few faces more or less familiar to the audience also attended, including elected officials, members of local authorities, notables, and Vazaha zanatany who have long been rooted in the city of Diego.

Morengy is not just a sport: it is an expression of identity, a reflection of Malagasy values. Among the Antakarana, a people originally from Ankarana, this game is deeply rooted in local customs. It symbolizes bravery, virility, and honor, as well as clan solidarity. Each fight is seen as a tribute to ancestors, a way of perpetuating traditions in the face of the modern world.

Why is it interesting to learn about morengy? For martial arts enthusiasts: it's a wonderful discovery of a little-known and authentic style. For culture and heritage enthusiasts, it's a living example of tradition focused on the present. For tourists, watching a Morengy fight can be an immersive experience in the local culture.

Recently, an event called "Morengy Iarivo" was organized in Antananarivo to promote the discipline in the capital. Morengy is also gaining international visibility, particularly through demonstrations abroad. In the future, some stakeholders are seeking to further formalize the discipline (regulations, federation, protections for practitioners).

Ami Ral

24 Octobre 2025