Moraingy: Madagascar's Unforgiving Martial Art

Though the origins of moraingy can be traced back to the 15th century Sakalava kingdom in the southwestern region of Madagascar, today it is practised it in the neighbouring islands of La Réunion, Mauritius and Comoros. This genuine warrior battle features no weapons, and no body protection – here’s everything you need to know.

A battle with no fixed rules

Moraingy is an intense fight sport also known as Malagasy boxing, and its participants are known as‘fagnorolahy’. Rules vary according to region, and the winner depends largely on the referee, who announces the victor in a subjective or objective manner. Because of this, knock-out rounds are sometimes required to win, or the number of successful hits are simply counted to identify the winner.

As a sport, moraingy holds the record for the shortest round duration among existing fight sports worldwide – fights are normally composed of 30-second rounds. Fighters win or lose, and there is no second chance (unless the referee chooses to add more third rounds). Scratching, pinching, pulling hair and striking vital points of the body are forbidden.

From culture to a lucrative business event

Normally fights are organized every Sunday after the full moon of each month, though nowadays you can enjoy moraingy shows on weekends or on market day. Moraingy national tournaments are sometimes organized, and the winners are welcomed home like celebrities once they return to their village. The winner is not given a cup, but instead receives a car, motorbike or a large amount of money.

Like all traditional disciplines, there is neither a national federation nor moraingy training centers in Madagascar – instead, expertise is passed down from generation to generation. Over the last few years, young women have started to take part in moraingy, and are known as ‘fagnorovavy’.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.