It’s a last weekend of the year that we would really like to be festive, but the conditions are not particularly suitable for it. Despite the inconveniences encountered, citizens will try to spend it as pleasantly as possible. For most of them, there will not be a New Year’s Eve where they will indulge, but where they will have a less frugal meal than usual. There will always be special evenings organized for those who can afford them, but for the vast majority, there will be no excess to do.
The party anyway
despite crisis
There were numerous Tananarivians in the shopping streets of Behoririka and Analakely. We had the impression that they did not want to let themselves be brought down by the current situation. Most saw their budgets shrink dramatically, but they looked for the most advantageous products. Poultry merchants, however, did not manage to achieve their usual turnover, with customers content to buy legs, wings or breasts. It was the same for the market gardeners who saw the regulars taking tomatoes, onions or green beans in small piles. Cake orders haven’t been as numerous as usual. We noticed that many Tananarivians decided to go to the countryside, to join the village of their ancestors (“tanindrazana”) to spend with their family this December 31. They preferred to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find the calm of the countryside. In these times of crisis, they want to taste the pleasure of a simple life. Those who stayed in town will go out and go to Analakely on Independence Avenue and City Hall Square or to Antaninarenina. They will welcome the new year in good company. The police will be on alert to control the crowd present. The weather services announced that rain would be expected, but this should not spoil the festive spirit of Tananarivians.
Patrice RABE