HHG » Africa » Burkina Faso

O ·

The government organizes international cultural and artisanal events on a regular basis. The best known are the SIAO, the International Arts and Crafts Show of Ouagadougou, organized every two years, which represents the largest arts and crafts show of the African continent; and the FESPACO, the Pan-African Cinema and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, which takes place every other year. These two events are the most important cultural events of the African continent. The SNC, National Week of Culture, is also a very important cultural event in Burkina Faso. It takes place every year in Bobo-Dioulasso. One of the main characteristics of the "Country of the Upright People" is, undoubtedly, the people's fondness for cultural traditions. It is certainly no coincidence that the country hosts the continent's most prominent cultural events, an indication of its belief in the bright future of the African arts. Burkina Faso has more than 60 ethnic groups, each with its own cultural values and structure. Though it is difficult to summarize the main cultural highlights, which originate from this remarkable cultural diversity, we can point out some prominent characteristics and manifestations of cultural vibrancy.