In the highlands, you can see the music and storytelling spectacles called hira gasy, or the lively, colourful reburial rituals known as famadihana, or turning of the bones.
From time to time, the Merina people dig up a dead ancestor to hold a family reunion. The living relatives go wild for a day or two of eating, drinking, and - quite literally - dancing with the dead to ensure a happy afterlife.
The famadihana is costly, mainly because of the expense of providing food for a large number of relatives and guests. Zebu cattle are slaughtered and huge feasts are prepared for the celebration.
Finally, a farewell ceremony is undertaken, and the body is showered with gifts and returned to the tomb.
Since a stranger's presence is an good omen, there's a good chance you'll be invited to one if you friends with Merina people.
August or September (the Malagasy winter) is the high season for Famadihana. The Merina people are located in the central highlands, around the city of Antananarivo.
