It all starts on April 29 at the Aboubacar Sangoulé LAMIZANA omnisports stadium with the official opening ceremony from 3 p.m. And it will be gone for the 20e edition of National Culture Week (SNC). Finally, one might say. Several times postponed in 2020 due to Coronavirus disease, then later for security reasons, the SNC will take place. It is a decision of the authorities at the highest level who, despite the national context, wanted it that way. All in all: should the Burkinabè stop living, practicing their culture because they are insecure? On the contrary, in our culture, even in times of mourning, song has its place. Otherwise, in African cultures, sorrows and joys accompany each other, the better they are linked. By deciding therefore to hold this edition of the SNC in these moments of sorrow, the Burkinabè are demonstrating to the enemy that they will never abdicate. And that in this particular context, culture has its role to play. Better, if it had been understood as such for years back, certainly we would not be there. Is it not because we have abandoned our culture, our founding values that we are so vulnerable, so lost?
“Cultural diversity, leaven of national unity” is the theme chosen for this edition and which will constitute the spirit and substance of the activities during this week. A relevant theme in view of the context of insecurity, no peace and the risk of weakening living together and national unity. Indeed, what better than culture to bring peoples, communities and individuals together! Also, the Burkinabè are called to seize, once again, this moment of the expression of our cultural diversity to strengthen unity in our country in order to cultivate peace. It cannot be otherwise because more than ever, the Burkinabè have understood that it is in difficult trials like the one they are going through, that it is necessary to unite, to silence personal differences and to face up to the enemy.
At this National Week of Culture, like the previous ones, Burkinabè will come from all over the country. Some to compete, others simply as festival-goers, because they love culture and want to magnify it. To all these people, the Bobolais must reserve a fraternal welcome, worthy of the hospitality always known in this city. In addition, Bobolais should not be courted to take part in the various activities that will be organized throughout this week. If the National Culture Week has established its headquarters in Bobo-Dioulasso, it is not to please the people of Bobo-Dioulasso. But certainly to mark and reinforce the cultural character of this city. For the rest, we simply have to wish a good stay to all those who come to Bobo-Dioulasso for National Culture Week. Happy National Culture Week everyone!
