Highlights: In Madagascar, cockfights attract large numbers of spectators and breeders to the four corners of the island. Formerly an unprofitable entertainment activity, the discipline has evolved in recent years. In the capital's largest gallodromes, the sums bet can reach 40 million ariary, or more than 8,000 euros. “When you play for a large sum, a quarter of the money won is spent on outings, partying with friends,” explains William, a regular spectator.

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In Madagascar, the rising cost of living does not discourage fans of cockfighting

In Madagascar, like every week, cockfights attract large numbers of spectators and breeders to the four corners of the island. Formerly an unprofitable entertainment activity, the discipline has evolved in recent years, with increasingly large sums of money at stake. In this period of rising costs of living, some see this risky game as a source of bonus money or a simple moment of disconnection.

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Every Wednesday, the Ambilanibe gallodrome - one of the smallest in the capital, Antananarivo, brings together spectators, owners and punters around cockfights, like this January 31, 2024. © Pauline Le Troquier/RFI

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Antananarivo,

Pauline Le Troquier

Life is hard. But that doesn't stop people from betting, because it's their favorite distraction. You see, there, they shout, they sing, they encourage!

» Hanging on the barrier of the fighting ring, William is suspended from the beaks and claws of the two adversaries of the day. A regular visitor for 25 years, this passionate spectator has seen the sums bet become colossal. A sort of escape, he believes, from the difficulties of daily life in

Madagascar

. “

When you play for a large sum, a quarter of the money won is spent on outings, partying with friends,” explains William. It’s to escape the monotony of life: rent, water, electricity…

”

“

Today there are people who make a living from this
”

A lucrative passion for some, a full-fledged profession for others. This is what Nandrianina claims. He cares for and prepares his forty fighting cocks like real athletes. An activity that is still secondary but has become regular. “

Cockfighting is more than a passion in Madagascar

,” he assures.

There are people today who make a living from this. Personally, I strive to do at least one match per month, which covers part of my bills. I also sometimes sell a rooster – for up to 2 million ariary [

around 410 euros, Editor’s note

], when I need money!

After an hour of fighting, the referee whistles the end of the match. Lova is the proud owner of today's champion. “

I never bet money I don’t have,”

he explains.

I clearly distinguish between expenses for my vital needs and money for fighting. So, these matches don’t impact my daily life too much

.”

The month of January, known to be harsh for Malagasy households, will not discourage cockfighting enthusiasts. In the capital's largest gallodromes, the sums bet can reach 40 million ariary, or more than 8,000 euros.

In Madagascar, the rising cost of living does not discourage fans of cockfighting

In Madagascar, the rising cost of living does not discourage fans of cockfighting

“

Today there are people who make a living from this
”

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In Madagascar, the rising cost of living does not discourage fans of cockfighting

In Madagascar, the rising cost of living does not discourage fans of cockfighting

“ Today there are people who make a living from this ”

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“

Today there are people who make a living from this
”