The Tangoharo Betsiboka Festival as a Laboratory for Social Cohesion and a Driver of Cultural Valorization for Sustainable Territorial Development in Maevatanana, Madagascar

Abstract

Dr. Georges Solofoson and Randriamandimby Solohery Justin Rene

Sustainable territorial development today follows an integrated approach combining economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Recent literature highlights culture as a key driver of social cohesion and local development. In this context, cultural festivals emerge as strategic mechanisms for strengthening territorial identity, stimulating local economies, and fostering social cohesion. The TANGOHARO Betsiboka Festival, held in Maevatanana, aligns with this dynamic. The term "TANGOHARO" refers to a social reality characterized by the coexistence of cosmopolitan populations from diverse cultures—sometimes with conflicting interests—who nonetheless share the same territory. This concept reflects a logic of social integration in which diversity becomes a resource for development. This article analyzes the TANGOHARO Festival's contribution to sustainable territorial development through the theoretical frameworks of cultural capital, social capital, and local development. The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and participant observation. Expected results indicate that the festival contributes to the valorization of cultural heritage, the strengthening of social cohesion, the revitalization of the local economy, and the development of cultural tourism. It also serves as a space for symbolic mediation, enabling the peaceful management of cultural diversity. This research offers a fresh perspective on cultural festivals as instruments of social transformation and sustainable development within African and Malagasy contexts.

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