The Donia festival, which means "beautiful life" in Malagasy Sakalava, is mainly focused on cultural exchanges between the different islands of the Indian Ocean. It is a cultural event created in 1993 by a group of friends. They envisioned to create a cultural festival in Nosy-Be, so they formed the association "COFESTIN" which is the organizing committee of the festival in the northwest of Madagascar.

The DONIA has become very popular part of the Malagasy culture.

As every year, the festival runs for five days and includes carnivals, concerts, motorized races, election of Miss and Mister Donia, and many other animations. The Donia festival sets the show in fire, in an atmosphere that goes beyond the borders of the country and sees the active participation of renowned groups from neighboring countries and islands.

Every evening for five days, a series of concerts gather more than 10 000 spectators. However, Donia does not only play an important role in the cultural identity of Nosy-Be; each year, the Donia festival generates jobs for the local population and important tourist revenues for the island.

The Donia is an event of regional scope which aims to bring audiences of all generations from all social and cultural backgrounds, around a rich, unifying and quality programming. The Donia can be described as a cultural proximity action in an urban setting. The festival is also designed to carry educational messages and to help the local population connect with each other and with professional artists.

The purpose of the artistic program is to promote the mixing of artistic genres and to bring people together around the same open-mindedness. All the proposed activities are imagined with the aim of giving to artists and all the participants the opportunity to bloom and express themselves. In a warm setting, the audience can participate in many activities: creative workshops to spread good practices, shows to entertain and gamble, themed walks to discover and enjoy the city of perfume and its surroundings.

As for the artists' hosting, the setting up and dismantling of the structures, the welcoming preparation, many local inhabitants generously and enthusiastically offer their help.

Nowadays, Donia is recognized as one of the most attended festivals in the northwest region of the Indian Ocean. It has become one of the most original among festivals, and the only one based on the theme of sustainable development.  Over the years, it has become firmly rooted in the region. The festival has become a real touristic event and gives Nosy-Be and its surroundings a certain level of attraction. Festival attendees discover the richness of the territory, its natural and architectural heritage, and the local population.

It is no surprise that last year’s 27th edition of Donia scheduled for 27th to 31st May 2020 has been postponed. Even though it is expected to happen this year, no official date has been released yet.

Sources: Madagascar Treasure Island, Nosy-Be Tourisme