Poni: More than 250 participants took part in the first edition of the Si-KPADJ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¹€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬ Cultural Holiday Games, held from September 4 to 6, 2026, in Passna, Kampti commune, Poni province. This turnout delighted the president of the organizing committee, Bªbª Arnaud Nouf, for whom this initiative provides a valuable opportunity to promote and share Lobi culture with younger generations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this first edition, placed under the theme "Our roots, our heritage: a wealth to preserve and pass on," offered local residents three days of communion around cultural, sporting, and artistic values. Participants and local communities showcased their talent and enthusiasm through various activities, including archery, cycling, balafon playing, poetry, and football. These disciplines highlighted the richness of the local cultural heritage while fostering social cohesion and bringing different generations closer together.
The event was held under the patronage of the Governor of the Dj´r´ region, Siaka Barro, and under the sponsorship of His Majesty Bifate 2. It also benefited from the co-sponsorship of Bill Bachir Terra and the customs controller Koulprout Kambou. At the conclusion of the activities, the chairman of the organizing committee, Bªbª Arnaud Nouf, expressed his satisfaction with the high turnout for this inaugural event. He commended the commitment of the participants, the local communities, and all the partners who contributed to the event's success.
"This launch is a real success for us. It demonstrates that our youth remain attached to their roots and heritage," he noted, calling for greater enthusiasm at future events. Through the Si-KPADJ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬¹€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬ cultural holiday games, the steering committee intends to make art a true lever for social cohesion, transmission of endogenous knowledge, and promotion of Lobi cultural identity.
The first edition ended in a festive atmosphere, suggesting the organizers' desire to permanently establish this project in the event calendar of the municipality of Kampti and the province of Poni.