FARABASUTU EP3

Cultural Festival Celebration Unites Gambian Communities
On Saturday, the 11th of May, the Faraba-Sutu village came alive with vibrant colors and rich traditions as it hosted its annual cultural festival. This festival, now in its fourth edition, was organized by the Faraba-Sutu Youths Association, showcasing the diverse cultures of The Gambia and aiming to foster unity and understanding among its people.
Gambians are renowned for their beautiful cultures and traditions, and this event was a testament to that. Different ethnic groups proudly displayed their cultural heritage through traditional attire, music, and dance. The Mandinka community brought the elegance of the "Manyo," their traditional bride attire, accompanied by the enigmatic "kankurango" masquerades. Meanwhile, the Jola community mesmerized the audience with their "kumpo" masquerades, known for their symbolic representation of Jola traditions.
In an interview with Alkalo Alieu Sanyang, who also serves as an advisor to the Faraba Sutu Youth Association, he expressed pride in the association's journey over the past four years. Originally focused on talent showcasing, the association has evolved to celebrate cultural diversity. Despite financial challenges, sponsorship from Spanish supporters, some of whom attended the event, provided crucial support.
Raymond Katujay Colley, the vice-chairperson of the association, emphasized their commitment to promoting unity and eradicating ethnic divisions. He highlighted the association's role in community development, including the recent inauguration of a market, a significant achievement for Faraba-Sutu.
Simon Gomez, another member of the association, underscored the importance of preserving cultural practices, particularly for the younger generation. He lamented the fading knowledge of cultural heritage among children and stressed the festival's role in keeping these traditions alive.
As the celebrations concluded, it was evident that the Faraba-Sutu cultural festival had not only showcased the richness of Gambian culture but had also served as a platform for unity and progress within the community.
This concludes our coverage of the annual Cultural Festival Celebration in Faraba-Sutu Village, presented by Kaddy Mbye and Mariama Keita from GMEB TV.