Bogand©: The High Commissioner of the Gnagna Province, Jean Baptiste Beogo, presided over the inaugural '48 Hours of My Culture, My Identity' event in Bogand© from May 30 to 31, 2026. The event was initiated by the consortium Association Une Vie, Un M©tier des Couturi¨res (AVMC) of Bogand©, the Yarga Multiservices Training Center (CFYMS), and Yantiari Innova D©veloppement Consulting. It aimed to celebrate and transmit traditional artisanal know-how to younger generations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, themed 'The Transmission of Traditional Skills as a Pillar of My Cultural Identity,' gathered administrative, traditional, and military authorities, cultural stakeholders, and local residents. The activities were hosted at the Koamba Lankoand© guesthouse in Bogand©, focusing on promoting cultural values, integrity, and patriotism through the continuation of traditional crafts.
Moussa Yarga, the organizing committee president, emphasized the event's intent to preserve the province's intangible cultural heritage by showcasing traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing. These practices, which are at risk of extinction, were given a platform to highlight their cultural significance.
A key intellectual component of the event was two panel discussions moderated by Christian Zoungrana, the provincial director of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism for Gnagna, assisted by Djingribouga Xavier Noali, the provincial cultural assistant. The first panel, 'Territorial and Cultural Issues: Local Crafts as a Vector of Identity and Sub-Regional Development,' explored the link between cultural heritage, economic development, and social cohesion. It underscored the strategic importance of crafts in job creation and identity promotion.
The second panel, 'Mentoring and Apprenticeship Models: From Master to Novice, Reinventing Intergenerational Transmission Models in Our Sub-Region,' highlighted the need to preserve traditional know-how amidst social changes and modern influences. Participants stressed the importance of investing in knowledge transmission as a future asset, recognizing traditional knowledge holders as memory guardians and role models.
A notable highlight was a football match between the Tindano and Haro families, showcasing community spirit and fair play. The Tindano family won the match with a narrow 1-0 victory. The event also featured exhibitions of traditional skills and handcrafted creations by various communities in the province.
Jean Baptiste Beogo praised the event's contribution to the preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage. He emphasized that transmitting artisanal skills to younger generations is vital for maintaining cultural identity, enhancing social cohesion, and fostering development based on community values. The organizers aim to establish this event as a recurring feature to promote culture as a development lever, social cohesion, and resilience in the Gnagna province.