The Government of Gabon has revived the Festival of Cultures, with the 15th edition held to strengthen national identity and preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
The festival, held under the theme “Re-appropriation of Our Cultural Values,” seeks to promote Gabon’s traditions, languages, arts and sports while showcasing the cultural diversity of its nine provinces.
According to the Gabonese Embassy, the event provides a platform for preserving traditions at risk of being forgotten, strengthening national unity and promoting local crafts, music, traditional clothing and historical heritage.
The festival also featured cultural displays, including traditional attire by Senegalese artisans made from materials such as forest seeds and palm wood, highlighting cultural exchange and regional diversity.
The Festival of Cultures was inaugurated in 1997 by Father Mba Abessolo, then Mayor of Libreville, before it was later established as a national celebration by the late President Omar Bongo Ondimba.
The festival was subsequently suspended because of organisational challenges but has now been revived after an eight-year break, with organisers seeking to ensure that Gabon’s cultural traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.
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