The Banjul Cultural Festival, a government-backed initiative, has been launched to promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of The Gambia by bringing together the capital’s end-of-year festivities into one coordinated programme.

The festival is organised under the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and Arts and Culture, with the active participation of major cultural groups and event organisers in Banjul. Its core objective is to consolidate the diverse cultural activities traditionally held during the festive season and present them as a single, branded and well-packaged national event.

A multi-sectoral task force comprising relevant government ministries, security services and partners has been constituted to plan, manage and operationalise the festival, ensuring smooth coordination and public safety throughout the celebrations.

Building on the experience and success of the inaugural edition, and following a comprehensive review, organisers say this year’s festival will be “bigger and better”, uniting all key stakeholders involved in Banjul’s festive cultural calendar under the guidance and supervision of the Ministry.

Key stakeholders

Participating stakeholders include Joluv Arts (Entertainment), Odilleh Hunting Society, Ekun Baba Hunting Society, Gunshot Hunting Society, Rainbow Gesseh Society, the The Gambia Police Force, the The Gambia Red Cross Society, the National Centre for Arts and Culture, the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), among others.

Festival timetable

• 25 December
  • Festival launch – Arch 22, 4:00pm
  • Parade of cultural masquerades – Streets of Banjul, 9:00am
• 26 December
  • Gesseh & Samba Soho – Mosque Road
  • Fanal (torch procession) – Streets of Banjul, 9:00pm
• 27 December
  • Cultural symposium – Arch 22, 3:00pm
• 28 December
  • Banjul fitness programme – Mosque Road, 3:00pm
• 29 December
  • Pakin & Abonshola show – Fitzgerald Street
  • Fanal – Streets of Banjul, 9:00pm
• 30 December
  • Regatta boat festival & cultural show – Banjul Football Field, 3:00pm
• 31 December
  • Traditional wrestling competition – Banjul Beach, 4:00pm
  • Fireworks display – Arch 22, midnight (climax event)
• 1 January
  • Cultural hunting and Gesseh show – Arch 22, Fitzgerald Street & Independence Drive
  • Capital Cultural Carnival – Mosque Road
  • Time: 10:00am to 4:00am (following day)

Organisers say the festival is designed not only to showcase The Gambia’s diverse cultural expressions, but also to boost tourism, promote community cohesion and provide a safe, inclusive platform for cultural exchange during the festive season.