The Fanorona is a traditional Malagasy entertainment that requires a lot of thought. During the royal era, the fanorona was related to "Fanandroana"— the Malagasy action of telling the good and bad days. As time went by, it was played like go or chess, checkers or other games. Basically, the Malagasy were the first to create and to play fanorona.

Indeed, the fanorona originated in the 14th century, according to researchers. It was a very popular game and was favored by the kings so that they could learn how to rule, to undertake their kingdom and to manage their state and military. In addition, kings had to teach their descendants many things before handing over the throne. The royal heirs had to master the strategies and techniques of war. And it is through the fanorona that this education was done. At that time, the kings were trained at a very young age, at 6 or 7 years old.

This game is highly valued in the Malagasy society. The "wise men" and the fanorona players have always been the promoters of "fihavanana" - the Malagasy solidarity. Until today, fanorona players and enthusiasts value this game and continue to prize its importance.
The fanorona is a Malagasy culture of which Malagasy people can be proud of. In fact, young Malagasy people are the most encouraged and sensitized to practice the fanorona instead of always spending their time in playing video games or drowning in the international culture. It is often said that the problem which prevents a country from advancing is not to appreciate what is already its own.

The fanorona is the only strategy game in the world where you are expected to fight and give life to the one who is defeated. Like all other games, there is the one who died and there is the one who lives, but the objective is not to kill the opponent but rather to bring him back to life. By the way, when you lose in a fanorona round, it means first that you are dead, but at a later stage called "the vela", your life is brought back to you.

The other feature that makes the fanorona special is that it can be played anywhere, as it can be drawn on the ground, on a bench or on a table. Any kind of piece can also be used as pawns as long as it can distinguish the sides of two opponents, players can use orange peels, beans, corn, or capsules, for example.

Accordingly, fans and players of the fanorona have decided to create the fanorona federation in order to foster the promotion of this traditional game. The federation regularly organizes meetings; there is even a fanorona championship. The objective is primarily to educate and then to promote the game.

Sources: Association Fanorona Madagascar, E-fanorona, Voyage Madagascar