Sanaba: The masks of Sanaba made their traditional appearance on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as part of a cultural ritual to invoke the spirits of ancestors, aiming to ensure good rainfall during the upcoming winter season.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event marks the beginning of a nine-day period during which masks from various neighborhoods, including Bokuy, Foikuy, and Kiokuy, will take turns participating in rites and dances. These ceremonial activities are intended to appeal to ancestral spirits for the blessing of abundant rainfall.

The ritual commenced with a signal from the Bokuy district on May 23rd. Starting at 5 p.m., customary chief Samou Coulibaly, along with the head of the masks, Zomizin Sidibe, elders, and initiates, gathered at the village’s eastern exit near the main road to Dedougou. Here, they performed traditional rites with the masks, marking the beginning of the invocation ceremonies.

Following these initial rites, the masks, accompanied by a large gathering of initiates, elders, women, and children, embarked on a slow procession. The procession was marked by the rhythmic sounds of songs, drums, and cries of joy, as the crowd made its way with deliberate steps to the designated area in the Bokuy district for the mask dance.

The atmosphere at the dance square was vibrant, with masked performers showcasing dance demonstrations and acrobatics that extended late into the night. Each district will continue this tradition over the nine-day period, dedicating their efforts to summoning beneficial rainfall for the Sanaba community.