Banwa:The masks of Sanaba emerged on Monday, September 28, 2026, marking the start of the year's first harvest celebrations, with hopes for a successful agricultural season filled with health, peace, and prosperity for the people of Sanaba.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the local community began preparations for the event on Sunday, September 27th. On the day of the ceremony, initiates gathered both east and west of the village to create the masks.

At around noon, the initial groups of masks entered accompanied by the sound of drums and traditional rites. The celebration was led by the head of the masks, Zomizin Sidib, and the head of the D´, Samou Coulibaly, with the participation of several elders.

Later in the day, more masked figures joined the festivities from the forest. The elders performed traditional dances and rituals, offering prayers for a plentiful harvest and an abundant grain supply. These prayers also focused on the community's health and peace, emphasizing the harvest's role in ensuring families' well-being and food security.

Souleymane Dembl, a retired agricultural agent and traditionalist from Sanaba, expressed his joy in participating. He praised the community's efforts and encouraged the youth to engage more deeply with traditional practices and values. The ceremony, which began in the Bokuy neighborhood, will continue rotating through other neighborhoods in Sanaba throughout the week.