First Harvest Festival "Umuganura" in Rwanda 2023
By: Zainab Mekky
Umuganura is a Rwandan word that means the first harvest festival or the first fruit festival. It is a cultural festival that is celebrated in Rwanda every year on the occasion of the beginning of the harvest season. This day is determined by the government of Rwanda at the beginning of August, specifically the first Friday in the month and it is a public holiday.
Umuganura has its roots in pre-colonial times, when Rwandans relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood. The celebration marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season, a crucial time in the agricultural calendar.
Umuganura is an important celebration in Rwandan culture because; It symbolizes the importance of agriculture during the harvest season. It is also a great opportunity for Rwandans to meet, showcase their culture, and celebrate their achievements.
In addition, it promotes unity, entrepreneurship, and community service. Umuganura was initially a royal affair presided over by the king who blesses the harvest and prays prayers of thanksgiving, but over time it underwent various changes and developments to become the event that we see today as a national event in which Rwandans from all over the country gather in their traditional clothes and perform dances and songs that showcase their cultural heritage:
Agricultural exhibitions and harvest shows: Agriculture is the backbone of the Rwandan economy, and the Umuganura celebration provides an opportunity for farmers and agricultural experts to display their products and innovation, as the event includes many exhibitions and shows that display the diversity of agricultural crops grown in Rwanda. Arts and Crafts Fairs: Highly regarded and an essential part of the country's cultural heritage, the Umuganura celebration features arts and crafts fairs, providing local craftsmen and artists with a platform to display their work.
Performances and Speeches: The Umuganura Festival provides an opportunity for government officials, cultural experts, and community leaders to give speeches and presentations on various topics ranging from agriculture to culture, offering an insight into the country's past, present, and a glimpse into its future. Traditional dishes and drinks: Rwandan cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors and ingredients inspired by neighboring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwandan cuisine also enjoys different types of meat including goat, beef, and chicken, as well as vegetables such as sweet potatoes and bananas.
Preparations for the Umuganura Festival in 2023 are already underway with an organizing committee tasked with overseeing the planning and implementation of the event. A committee consisting of government officials, cultural experts, and representatives of different communities from across the country is in charge of preparing for the ceremony. It is worth noting that the "Anganzo Ngari" group, one of the most famous traditional dance groups in Rwanda, will organize a concert at the festival for this year 2023, and it will be full of authentic Rwandan dances and songs that express Rwandan culture and heritage.
It is wonderful in this news that this party is scheduled to be a huge party never before, as it will return this year for the first time since the end of Covid 19, as it is a great opportunity for those who missed this party in the past years to enjoy an exciting and unforgettable experience. So far, the exact location and date of the festival celebration this year has not been confirmed, but the government is expected to announce the dates and location as soon as possible. However, it is now time to celebrate the Umuganura Festival.
Sources:
- UNESCO website
- Office holidays website
