Libreville celebrates Gabon's cultural diversity with Senegal at the F锚te des Cultures
The 15th edition of the F锚te des Cultures opened in Libreville on Friday, August 21, 2026, after an eight-year hiatus, with Senegal as the guest of honor. The event, held on Avenue Jean-Paul II, showcased the cultural diversity of Gabon, including Mwiri, Bwiti, Elomba, Ikokou, and the sounds of Senegal, such as Mbalax. Under the theme "Reappropriation of our cultural values," this edition aims to place culture at the heart of identity and value transmission. The first day brought together authorities, diplomatic representatives, artists, artisans, and culture enthusiasts to explore the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The mayor of Libreville, Eug猫ne M鈥檅a, welcomed the return of the event, calling it a moment of cultural renaissance that encourages reflection on history, languages, dances, rituals, and craftsmanship. The Minister of Cultural Outreach, Paul Ulrich Kessany, highlighted the program's richness, noting that for three days, each province, artist, artisan, and storyteller would contribute to sharing their cultural identity. He also paid tribute to Father Paul Mba Abessole, who initiated the F锚te des Cultures in 1997 as mayor of Libreville. The Ambassador of Senegal to Gabon, Mame Oumar Thiam, expressed his delight at the invitation, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two peoples by sharing aspects of Senegalese culture through songs, dances, traditional customs, gastronomy, and wrestling. The event, which continues until August 23, 2026
