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Cultural Festivals in
Gambia |
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 There are a number of Gambian
festivals which have either been part of traditional society or
have in modern times been recently created. Some are
agricultural in origin having there roots in the land while
others are related to the sky above such as the rainmaking
festivals involving the women of the village.
There is
general consensus of the potential for festivals to communicate
or affirm the values of Gambia's society and strengthen the bonds between
its members. Such gatherings provide a forum to release pent-up
social tensions and an escape from the daily grind of everyday
life.
There are other types of ceremonies not covered in
this section. These range from elaborate inauguration ceremonies
of Ngansinba - female leader associated with initiation cult
ceremonies.
Whilst there is growth in multi-ethnic
expressions, the quest for the Gambia's groups to reaffirm their identities
remains. The recent rekindling of celebrations of constituent
festivals in Janjangbureh. Dankunku (Maribantang Cultural
Festival), Banjul Demba Festival, and the Gambian-African
Festival at Kanilai confirms a cultural revival with specific
claims and identities.
Because Africa is now more
exposed more than ever to external influences and in particular
globalization. As well as changes in the physical markets
Gambians are also exposed to an onslaught on the cultural
sphere. Today more and more young people are listening to
foreign, imported music and are adopting foreign fashions than
ever before.
The challenge is now for cultural
institutions, scholars and champions to identify some of the
changes that are taking place and define the implications these
will have for the future. They must establish how Gambians could
revive and retain their cultural traditions for the benefit of
all people.
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