D©dougou: The Governor of the Bankui region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, opened, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, on behalf of the Minister in charge of Culture, the 17th edition of the International Festival of Masks and Arts of D©dougou (FESTIMA), under the theme: "FESTIMA, 30 years in the service of the Tradition of the mask: Assessment and prospects".
According to Burkina Information Agency, this edition marks the 30th anniversary of FESTIMA and the holding of its 17th edition, thus consecrating three decades of commitment to the safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage linked to masks. The governor of the Bankui region, Babo Pierre Bassinga, praised the resilience of the organizers and the importance of the festival in promoting African cultural identities.
He stressed that FESTIMA has established itself as a platform for the transmission of ancestral knowledge, intercultural dialogue, and the promotion of tourism in Burkina Faso. The governor also reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the national cultural heritage.
The executive secretary of the Association for the Safeguarding of Masks (ASAMA) and chairman of the organizing committee, Dr. L©once Ki, indicated that this edition is intended as a step of reflection on the journey of the festival and the prospects for consolidating the tradition of the mask. He stressed that FESTIMA has become, over the years, a living heritage, a symbol of unity, and a lever for local and tourist development.
Dr. Ki also praised the commitment of partners, administrative and customary authorities, as well as the Defense and Security Forces for their support in organizing the event. The boss of the edition, Drissa Traor©, for his part, invited the people to mobilize around cultural values and national unity. He believed that the mask remains a powerful vector of social cohesion and transmission of traditional values.
The opening ceremony was marked by mask performances from places including Z©oul©, Parad©, Mamou, and D©dougou. Festival-goers enjoyed the traditional dances showcasing the rich symbolism and artistry of the masks. For several days, FESTIMA will offer performances of dances with masks made of fibers, leaves, and fabrics, as well as the arts market which will offer an attraction to the public through the large fair.
Before the opening of the festival, an international scientific symposium dedicated to the anthropological, historical, and symbolic dimensions of the mask brought together eminent figures from the world of culture at the Daniel Coulibaly University of D©dougou.