Multi-culturalism thrives at Limbe FESTAC 2017
BY ESTHER QUI
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has lauded the population of Limbe for the devotion and determination in the preservation, promotion and valorisation of their culture. Prof. Mouelle made this remark while presiding over the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture with theme: celebrating cultural diversity and integration, on Saturday April 8 at the Limbe Community Field.
He especially congratulated the Government Delegate/vision bearer of Limbe FESTAC and his team for successfully organising a festival of this calibre: “The conception, realisation and excellence of a cultural festival of this magnitude, deserves a tap on the back of the Government Delegate and his team for a job well done.”
Professor Narcisse Mouelle added that: “Festivals of this state bring people together to celebrate our unity in diversity. It will also awaken dormant cultural animators and producers of artistic works, who will showcase a different dimension of cultural tourism.”
On his part, the Government Delegate/vision bearer of Limbe FESTAC, Andrew Motanga Monjimba thanked the population for being part of the great idea by shunning calls for boycott and being present at the cultural jamboree.
“Limbe is a town founded on diversity; where diverse peoples and culture have lived together as one and have contributed in building a strong Victoria. Limbe is a melting pot of culture which has led people to refer to her as Cameroon in miniature.”
Andrew Motanga Monjimba boasted about the uniqueness and peculiarity of Limbe FESTAC when compared to other festivals in Cameroon: “While most other festivals to a large extent are based on ethnicity and tribal groupings, Limbe FESTAC involves everyone in Limbe and its environs, irrespective of their origin. Limbe FESTAC brings together cultures from all the regions in Cameroon as well from Ghana, Benin, Togo and Nigeria. Limbe FESTAC is an institution which has come to stay.”
Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture though in its fourth edition, has already become a legacy in the minds and agenda of the population. The eight days jamboree will run from April 8 to April 15, 2017; characterised by various activities which include; canoe race, wrestling, marathon, traditional dance displays, tug of war, boat cruise, arts exhibitions and musical concerts.
Limbe FESTAC Carnival
Attention to detail, aesthetics, excellence, nature untamed, were some of the attributes that the carnival blocks embodied during the parade from the National Comprehensive High School, Mile 2 down to the Community Field; the cultural village of Limbe FESTAC.
The carnival blocks were expressions of diverse versions of Cameroonian as well as some foreign rich cultural heritage engulfed in Limbe. The parade was led by a carnival vehicle, on which were warriors representing the four cultural pillars of the country; the Fang Betis, the Grassfields, the Sawa and the Sudano-sahelian groupings. Following closely, were the rest of the cultural blocks adorned with diverse eye-catching and mind blowing traditional regalia, which savagely brought out the unadulterated cultural heritage of Cameroon.
It was an extensive display of African pomp and style encompassed in the Town of Friendship. The parade was greeted with applauds, cheers and glaring satisfaction and pleasure in the beauty and organisation of the day.
This year’s carnival was nothing short of excellence and perfection as much emphases way laid on detail and it enjoyed its deserved grandeur, thanks to the carnival committee chairperson, Grace Ewang Ngo.
Arts and Crafts exhibition
Part of Cameroon’s rich cultural heritage, is embedded in local arts and crafts, which is gradually paving its way into the international scene. Arts and craft exhibitors come from far and near in order to showcase their talent; what their minds conceive and their hands make.
Arts and craft are very important in every society, as it guarantees the preservation and passing on of historical arts as well as exposing the beauty of a people. Jewellery made from cowry shells, glass and rubber beads, raffia sticks as well as recycled objects, reveal the level of creativity of the people. In the same vein, chairs, beds, kitchen utensils and other household and even office furniture are all in display at the Limbe FESTAC cultural village.
Masks, which are used in various ceremonies depicting ancestors, spirits, mythical characters and deities made with elaborate designs, can be found at the village.
Also to be savoured at the Limbe FESTAC cultural village are natural fruit juices, hair and body products; dresses, handbags and shoes made from local materials. There are stands of corporations such as CDC and SONARA, where they display their products and enlighten the population about the services.