[The treasure hunt is both a game and a discovery.]

We will try to bring back to life, even in just a few days, the epic tale of the pirates who sought refuge or settled on the coasts of Madagascar between the 16th and 18th centuries. The festival, which will be held from November 28 to 30 on Îsle Sainte Marie, also known as Nosy Boraha, will be organized with the aim of the "treasures" and "traces" of these pirates! During this third edition of the festival, rediscovering there will be "treasure hunt" competitions. While these are games, who knows if real treasures are still hidden somewhere? Often in films, these pirates were known to have buried loot such as gold, precious jewels, etc., in secret locations.

Choice

When interviewed about this, an official from the Sainte-Marie Tourist Office (OTSM) told us that “The festival is open to everyone. The program includes competitions and activities, both artistic and sporting. Two options are available to visitors and participants, divided into two packages, both including transportation. The first package allows participation in the treasure hunt at a lower price, as participants stay in tents (camping). The second package, slightly more expensive, is reserved for regular visitors or tourists and includes hotel accommodation.”

When asked about the difference between this third edition of the festival and the previous one, this OTSM official stated: “The real novelty of this edition lies in the diversity of the offerings and events. A treasure hunt will be organized in the northern part of the town. Information on the history of Sainte-Marie and pirate culture will also be available.” Regarding the treasure hunt, each team consists of five participants, including at least one woman.

Program

On the first day, the opening ceremony will take place at the Vanivola Hotel, during which the participants in the “grand treasure hunt” will be presented. This will be followed by the best pirate costume contest, and then an evening of entertainment by the TAFARAY Group (Orchestra of Fénerive). The second day is dedicated to the semi-finals of the treasure hunt. This will be accompanied by cultural and sporting activities, followed by an evening at the "Pirates' Tavern." Finally, on the third and final day, the Grand Treasure Hunt will take place, followed by the finals of the various sporting competitions, including the morengy. The festival will conclude with the presentation of prizes to the winners of the various competitions, followed by a grand show featuring Big Mj and his entire cast

The treasure hunt is both a game and a discovery. It includes riddles and physical challenges. Furthermore, its aim is to provide more information and knowledge about the sites. The tour is guided and organized in advance. Participants and visitors expected for this festival include both residents of Sainte-Marie and those from elsewhere. It should be noted that this event is organized by the "Le Circuit des Forbans" Association and the Sainte-Marie Tourist Office, while Madagascar Airlines provides official transportation for visitors and participants.

Heritage

According to some sources, "The island's name was given by Portuguese navigators who landed in the bay on the Feast of the Assumption in 1503. This marked the arrival of the first Europeans in Sainte-Marie. As maritime traffic increased in the Indian Ocean, more and more ships arrived in Sainte-Marie, including buccaneers. History remembers the name of Thomas Tew, a famous and wealthy pirate who married a local princess." Their son, King Ratsimilaho, became one of the first mixed-race people, known as zanamalata, on the east coast of Madagascar. His daughter (and therefore the granddaughter of a pirate), Princess Betty, is credited with signing the official deed of gift of Île Sainte-Marie to France on July 30, 1750. The period between 1685 and 1720 is considered the golden age of piracy on Sainte-Marie. It is estimated that more than a thousand pirates lived on or stopped at the island. The bay was the favorite haunt of history's greatest pirates, their lair, where they brought back stolen ships. Court records, logbooks, and nautical charts attest to this. Furthermore, some inhabitants of Sainte-Marie are descendants of pirates, and the tombs of these sea bandits can still be seen in Ambodifotatra, the largest town. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist sites on the island. Near Forbans Bay, the wrecks of pirate ships are still visible. The remains of Captain Condent's famous ship and Captain Kidd's vessel lie on the ocean floor. The waters off Sainte-Marie are also ideal for scuba diving, with magnificent wreck sites”

Ami Ral

07 Novembre 2025