Once every seven years, the Antambahoaka celebrate "Sambatra," a month-long cultural event culminating in the circumcision of all the young boys. The word "sambatra" means happy, and indeed it is a happy occasion, for with the circumcision and associated rites, the boys are recognized as men. This photo is from the final day, when the young boys in their red habits being paraded towards the river for holy water, before returning to their tribal houses for the conclusion of the ceremonies.