Hiragasy

Hiragasy
Hiragasy performance near Ampefy, Madagascar, in July 2008.
MediumMusic, dance, and kabary oratory
Originating cultureMerina people
Originating era18th century–present
Hiragasy, a performing art of the Central Highlands of Madagascar
CountryMadagascar
Reference01740
RegionAfrica
Inscription history
Inscription2023 (18th session)
ListRepresentative

Hiragasy or hira gasy (hira: song; gasy: Malagasy) is a musical tradition in Madagascar, particularly among the Merina ethnic group of the Highland regions around the capital of Antananarivo. It is a day-long spectacle of music, dance, and kabary oratory performed by a troupe (typically related by blood or marriage and of rural origin) or as a competition between two troupes.