Savika is a mixture of corrida and rodeo: this traditional Malagasy sport is a struggle between men and zebus in the middle of fortune arenas.
Through their multiracial , the Malgaches inherited a thousand traditional cultures whose facets resemble those of their distant grandparents. Did they inherit the tauromachie from any Spanish or Texans? No one can confirm it. However, the inhabitants of the Amoron’I Mania, a South-East region of Madagascar , are true followers of the "Savika": tauromachie to Malagasy.
The « savika » in Ambositra: a show very popular with nationals
The corrida is also practiced in Madagascar. Literally referred to as "Savika", the Malagasy tauromachie takes place in an arena prepared for this purpose. The spectators come from all the horizons to admire the fierce battles between the national zebu and the hero of the day. Nationally renowned artists are invited to host the show.
The savika represents an attractive distraction in Ambositra. The time of the show, the zebu and the torero (called in the local dialect “Mpisavika”) become the main actors of a fierce duel. The show takes place in a festive atmosphere, under the hue and admiration of a tide of people.
The mpisavika (torero) and its equipment
Before entering the arena, the mpisavika ignites his body and its members of a mysterious mixture whose composition is jealously hidden by the connoisseurs. Then, it covers the belt with the help of a pagne in which is concealed an old coin of raw money. Afterwards, he ingested strong "galeoka" shaves (artisan alcoholic fish).
Once in the arena, he begins to excite the beast to the point of making it mad. To protect himself, he has only his bare hands, his address and allegiance to the assistance. The duel ends only when the beast is exhausted or when man accuses serious injuries.
In Ambositra, becoming a “ mpisavika” is not within the reach of anyone, you must know perfectly the bumpy oxen, know how to advance the defensive behaviors of the beast and master the proper gestuels intended to sketch the blows of deadly horns of the zebu.
During a visit to this region of Madagascar, don’t miss the “Savika”, the tauromachie in Malagasy.
Main Photo Credit: Vimeo Screenshot
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