Changes

''Tsikafara'' is a ''joro'' that the Betsimisaraka perform when faced with difficulty. Before an examination or any test, they will make an offering to the ancestors to ask for their support in solving the task without obstacles. It is a vow made in private or in public. But in every situation, if successful the vow must be fulfilled.

== Cultural highlights in the region ==

** the origin of the word ''zanamalata'', which designates the tribe considered as owners of the town of Mananara and its surroundings, comes from the French word ''mulâtre'' (mulatto)

** the origin of the word ''zafindrainibanda'', which designates the tribe considered bloodthirsty, comes from the French word ''bandit'' (bandit)

== Specialties of the region ==

* '''Market'''

** takes place during the ''fady'' days of Tuesday and Thursday, when it is not allowed to work on the fields, especially to grow rice. It is gaining momentum during the green vanilla season in the months of June to September.

== Population ==

The majority of the population consists of the [[Betsimisaraka]] ethnic group with a strong presence of [[Tsimihety]] and Métis Chinese (mixed-race), Betsileo and Merina. Most of the people live in the fertile valleys of Mananara, Sandrakatsy, Saharamy and Manambato.

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-16.40447" lon="49.685669" type="map" zoom="8" controls="large" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;">