Happiraphael, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Africa is home to a rich array of cultures each with its history and traditions that has continually offered a glimpse into the tapestry of the continent and its people. With a continued blend of cultural festivals and events, Africa has become a cauldron of creativity and an expression of identity.
One such event is Cameroon’s largest festival called the Festival National Des Arts Et De La Culture (FENAC). Among the many festivals that occur within the year in the Central African country, FENAC has no ethnic or religious appendage attached to it but is set aside to celebrate and promote the country’s multi-ethnic peculiarities and to showcase the rich cultural history of the people expressed in music, arts, dance, and other creative form.
Attracting locals and visitors alike, the event provides a platform for various artists, dance troupe performers, and musicians from all across the country to showcase their talent, provide a historical outlook of the rich cultural history of the people through various dance performances, artistic displays, and craftsmanship as well as entertain guests and visitors by offering a rich and rewarding experience throughout the festival activities.
Happiraphael, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For the locals, FENAC is a platform for strengthening the unity of the country, appreciating diversity, and creating a sense of togetherness within each ethnic representative in the country.
Divided into 10 provinces with each province housing a specific ethnic group, artists, musicians, dance troupes, and performers, each representative from the over 200 distinct ethnic groups all come together to not only perform but to share their stories and provide a dynamic interplay for all to experience.
The diversity provides a spectacle of the beauty of the country and the uniqueness of the people who reside within it. Through these diverse displays in traditions, cultural practices, customs, and dance routines, visitors are allowed to learn more about the rich heritage that can be found when exploring different parts of the country.
Happiraphael, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The festival also allows guests to feast on specially prepared cuisines and wines that are unique to each ethnic nationality. Assailed by different aromas, visitors can enjoy a rich culinary experience that adds to the experience of the beauty of the festival.
Music and dance are also an essential part of the festivals. Whether it be traditional rhythms performed on local instruments, or modern rhythms being performed, each note is an invitation to get lost in the thrills of a beautiful experience that can only come from the beautiful continent of Africa.
The skilled craftsmen also leveraged that opportunity to provide souvenirs in the form of textiles, pottery, beads, and other forms of handmade crafts which visitors can purchase as gifts for their loved ones or momentous of their time spent participating in the festival.
Festival National Des Arts Et De La Culture will always provide a rich rewarding experience for all who participate in its festivities and will continue to remain one of the platforms through which the rich heritage of African culture is experienced and celebrated.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
