This year’s event attracted over ten thousand people who converged at Tiyansata, Janjanbureh, for the celebration. The gathering included a wide range of dignitaries such as National Assembly Members, cabinet ministers, councillors, regional chairpersons, governors, directors-general, alkalos, community leaders, tour operators, a large number of tourists, and other stakeholders.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MOTAC, Siaka Fadera, officially declared the festival open on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe.
In his opening statement, he described the 9th edition of the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival as “a landmark celebration that reflects the soul of our nation, our identity, and the enduring strength of our cultural heritage.”
He paid tribute to all partners and community members who contributed to the festival’s growth over the years, emphasising that the festival is owned by and belongs to the community. He specifically acknowledged the central role played by the people of McCarthy Island, including the chief, youth, and women of Janjanbureh, for their dedication and support.
He noted that the Kankurang is not merely a masquerade to be observed, but a living legacy that defines Gambian identity. “It represents guidance, moral strength, guardianship, and the endurance of ancestral traditions. Handed down through generations, it embodies identity, accountability, and social cohesion within our communities,” he said.
He further highlighted that the designation of the Kankurang as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity confirms its outstanding universal value and reinforces the collective responsibility to protect, preserve, and transmit it with dignity.
Now in its ninth edition, he said the festival has grown beyond a cultural celebration into a powerful platform for cultural preservation, community pride, youth participation, and sustainable tourism development. He stressed that this aligns with the government’s vision under the leadership of His Excellency the President to position culture as a pillar of national unity, inclusive growth, and identity.
He explained that this vision is firmly rooted in The Gambia’s National Tourism Policy and Action Plan, which recognises culture and heritage as strategic assets for diversifying tourism beyond the traditional sun-and-sand model.
Festivals like the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival, he said, strengthen domestic tourism, extend visitor stays, stimulate local enterprises, and ensure that tourism benefits reach communities, particularly women and young people.
Additionally, the festival contributes directly to the objectives of The Gambia National Development Plan (YIRIWA), which prioritises decentralised development, job creation, and the use of culture and creativity as drivers of socio-economic transformation.
He reaffirmed MOTAC’s commitment to supporting cultural festivals nationwide and revealed an ambitious goal to establish at least three internationally recognised festivals that will elevate Gambian arts and culture while strengthening tourism diversification and the country’s global cultural brand.
He concluded by commending the people of Janjanbureh, the festival organising committee, and traditional custodians for their dedication. Special appreciation was extended to the European Union for its continued support, and to the International Trade Centre (ITC) for enhancing the festival’s quality and structure.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the Central River Region (CRR), Ousman Bah, has expressed immense pleasure and pride in participating in the festival. On behalf of the government and people of CRR, he warmly welcomed all participants to a region rich in history, culture, resilience, and hospitality.
He noted that the festival, held from 23rd to 25th January 2026, is more than a celebration. “It is a powerful expression of who we are as a people. It reflects our shared identity, collective memory, and commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for present and future generations,” he stated.
He described the Kankurang as an enduring symbol of initiation, unity, discipline, and community values, and commended the NCAC and MOTAC for their coordination and leadership. The governor also acknowledged the European Union and the EU-Youth Empowerment Project (EU-YEP) for strengthening the festival through improved programme design, promotion, branding, and logistical support, noting that these efforts have created meaningful economic opportunities for youth, women, artistes, and creative entrepreneurs.
In his welcome address, the President of the Event Management Committee, Mohammed Lamin Saidykhan, described the festival as “a sacred gathering of memory, culture, and identity.” He highlighted the theme “Unmasking Tradition, Celebrating Identity,” explaining that it calls for a deeper understanding of the values behind the Kankurang, including discipline, protection, unity, and moral guidance.
“Unmasking tradition does not mean diminishing it,” he said. “Rather, it means understanding it, preserving its essence, and passing it on responsibly to future generations.”
