Last Friday marked the 56th anniversary of the twinning between Nice, the pearl of the Côte d’Azur, and Tananarive, the capital of Madagascar.
Nice-Madagascar
During this event, Pascal Jacques RAJAONARISON, Consul General of Madagascar, Honoré RANDRIAKOTO, Vice-Consul of Madagascar accompanied by his wife, Robert VERDOÏA, Founder of Nice-Madagascar, Jocelyn RABARIJAONA, Secretary of the association, Pierre LEHAUT, Treasurer, Maty DIOUF, Deputy Mayor of Nice, as well as several association presidents and other guests were invited.
The twinning of Nice-Tananarive was signed on January 15, 1965, thus creating an understanding and a bond between Nice and the capital, and it was on March 11, 2005, that the Nice-Mada association was created by Robert VERDOÏA, the president of the association, who is surrounded by Jocelyn RABARIJAONA, the secretary, and Pierre LEHAUT, the treasurer.
The aim of the Nice-Mada association is to promote the city of Nice and Madagascar, to encourage economic and cultural exchanges, to value the twinning existing since 1962 between the city of Nice and Tananarive; as well as to maintain and develop bonds of solidarity and friendship among its members, with the help and collaboration of the departmental associations working for Madagascar.
Mr. Alain COLORADO, from Saint-Jean de Jérusalem- Prieuré de France and Hospitaler Knight, donated over 600 pairs of glasses, gloves from opticians, and individuals to the association, which will be provided to the most underprivileged by the Madagascar delegates.
The speeches from the different representatives were filled with conviviality, good humor, and especially spoken with their hearts, whether from the city of Nice or the help provided by other associations such as the association “a roof for you.” This year, they are in a partnership to multiply actions with Nice-Mada to build homes for the most disadvantaged.
Madagascar – an island in the sun
Madagascar gained independence on June 26, 1960, and it was in 1965 that this union between Madagascar and Nice occurred.
It is a country rich in diversity of culture with migration flows during the era, its nature boasting numerous preserved plants and flowers, its animals such as the lemur (maki), and so much more to discover on this island.
This evening took many on a journey with the music of Angela May’s “Lemada,” a traditional Malagasy song symbolizing peace and alliance among the Malagasy people, accompanied by photos of Madagascar inspiring a desire to visit, as well as other songs showcasing the diversity of Madagascar.
During the cocktail, with lots of laughter, smiles, and songs, there was a strong sense of joy and happiness, with Malagasy guests proving this solidarity between the people of Nice and the Malagasy people.
If there is one place to go for its ambiance, tranquility, and landscapes, it is Madagascar, to discover this island filled with dreams, peace, song, and dance.
