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'''The Antankarana people are an ethnic group living in the north of Madagascar around Antsiranana ([[Diego Suarez]]). Antankarana literally means ''Those of the Rocks'', referring to the limestone rock formations ([[Tsingy|tsingy]]) and mountains which characterise their territory. The up until the [[Sambirano]] river , which forms the border in the south.'''

The Antankarana descent from a group which separated from the Sakalava in the 18th century. Under the reign of their king Tsimiharo I they formed a separate kingdom with [[Ambatoharanana]] as their capital. Today, the Antankarana royalty continues to rule, although their power is merely symbolic and mostly concerned with keeping their traditions alive. They still worship natural sanctuaries. ''tsangaTsanga-tsainy'' is the most important ceremony celebrated every five years. Therefore a large mast with the emblems of the people symbolising their unity and support of the monarchy is erected. The festival is dominated by singing and dancing accompanied by sacrifices and prayers.

The duration and time of a ''tromba'' depends on the matters to be solved. At a tromba the spirits of the late kings are called which upon and will appear and to give advice through a possessed person.

The Antankarana people are mainly fishermen or cattle farmers. They grow only a few crops such as maize, rice and cassava on a small scale. The majority of the Antankarana are Muslims, although some have been converted to Christianity.