In this year’s event, the community is once again partnering with the International Trade Centre (ITC) under its new European Union Youth Economic Empowerment Project - Tourism and Creative Industries, the National Centre for Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to make the fest a successful cultural showpiece to remember for eternity.
In an interview, Muhammed Saidykhan, president of the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival outlined that they’re expecting more than 3000 visitors to the island for a weekend of ‘unforgettable cultural display.’
“This international event attracted thousands of people both in The Gambia and outside. Also, it encouraged investors, to promote tourism and culture as well as to foster national unity and project a positive image of the people.” the president stated.
Additionally, Saidykhan noted that the main purpose of the fest is to showcase the unique cultural expression of the Kankurang and other masking traditions of West Africa, enabling the island to gain visibility and attract more visitors interested in experiencing authentic intangible cultural heritage.
Inscribed by UNESCO in 2008 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Kankurang is a traditional Mandinka masquerade associated with instigation rites and strong community values.
The fest, according to the festival president, is a protective spirit and guarantor of order that shields boys as they learn about cultural practices, social norms and the environment, while playing a crucial role in promoting unity and social cohesion.
