The Famadihana ritual, practiced by the Malagasy people of Madagascar, is a traditional ceremony also known as the “Turning of the Bones.” This unique and vibrant celebration involves exhuming the remains of deceased relatives, wrapping them in new shrouds, and dancing with the corpses. Typically held every five to seven years, the Famadihana is a time for honoring ancestors and celebrating their continued presence in the lives of the living. The ceremony is seen as a way to reinforce family tie

Famadihana in an important ritual and massive celebration of the Malagasy people in Madagascar. What does it entail? Exhuming the remains of a loved one on the 5th, 7th, or 9th anniversary of their death to rewrap their body and come together as family with hope for the future. | Great Big Story