Limbe Festival of Arts & Culture Begins on Saturday April 7

By Boris Esono  in Buea

The annual Limbe FESTAC is melting pot for cultures from around Cameroon and Africa

The fifth edition of the Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture, FESTAC officially kicks off this Saturday April 7, 2018. This year’s cultural jamboree coincides with the 160th anniversary of the founding of Victoria now Limbe (1858-2018)

            The event under the distinguish patronage of the Minister of Arts and Culture; Narcisse Mouelle Kombi will take place at the Limbe community field. During the opening ceremony, there will be the inauguration of the 160th anniversary monument, a walk around town, carnival and a musical concert.

            The one week event will see the participation of various cultural groups in the country and beyond. The organizers have brought in other countries such as Togo, Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Benin to take part in the rich cultural display that will also feature various traditional groups from across the country.

            In a press briefing earlier, the government delegate to the Limbe City council, Andrew Motanga Monjimba indicated that all was set for the smooth start of the cultural event. He further called on the population to come out massively as Limbe FESTAC is meant for them.

            “We all should come out on that day and exhibit our different cultures because Limbe FESTAC demonstrates a peaceful coexistence of all cultures”. “I want to appreciate the entire population of Limbe for their sense of responsibility, maturity and discernment which has contributed immensely in lifting our municipality and making it unique amongst others”.

            With respect to security, the government delegate went on to assured the population that all will be ok as far as their security during the festival is concerned. “Security is being handled by the SDO and other security officials. They are the ones who know the various security measures that will be put in place to make sure that people who come to the event at late hours are safe”.

Innovations

            This year will see the participation of females in canoe race and the Liberalization of Miss FESTAC not just to the population of Limbe alone, but to other regions as well. Another highlight indicated by the government delegate will be the traditional fashion parade which will take place every day until the event end.

            During the press briefing, Andrew Motanga Monjimba said he will put the sum of FCFA 1 million for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd most rejuvenated cultural groups. “A committee will be put in place to look at the various cultural groups with many children. We need to spread our culture to the youths because they are the future custodians of our traditions not the older generations”.

            The FESTAC is an event which is always held in the beautiful “City of Friendship” called Limbe (former Victoria). Organizers say Limbe has everything strangers want to see including lovely beaches, a zoo and botanical garden, great hotels, fresh food and fruits, cleanliness and hospitality.

            FESTAC is all about celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon. Thanks to the country’s bilingualism and multiculturalism, a festival was of this magnitude was eminent. A hub were diverse cultures could mingle for the growth and development of art in the country.