Côte d'Ivoire-Gagnoa will host the 1st edition of "Gbagbadê", a festival of Bété Arts and Cultures

The first edition of Gbagbadê (thunder, in the local Bété language), a festival celebrating the Arts and Cultures of Bété people, will take place in Gagnoa, from 26 to 28 August 2021. The press release by "gbagbade" general commissioner Pascale Ziéga on Friday, May 14, 2021, came as no surprise at the festival pre-launch technical meeting held in Gagnoa.

The vision, according to the commissioner is to promote the roots of Bété people. It is a heritage festival that intends to bring together Bété communities from across the country.
The regions of Daloa, Soubré, Issia and Gagnoa will be in the spotlight at the 2021 edition. "It will be a question of making this festival a success, with a deeply rooted traditional character", she said. "We are used to showcasing a mixture of traditional and modern festivals. It will not be the case this time around", adding that she is concerned about the Bété people gradually losing their culture.

The launch of the ground works for Gbagbadê festival is scheduled for this Saturday, May 15. It is intended to be an annual festival with celebrations across all Bété lands.
(AIP)

May 14, 2021 (IPA)