Habari za... les aventures/the adventures de/of Jan, Grâce & Mie en/in Afrique/Africa

The feast of the "Gaani" is a Beninese traditional festival, normally held in Nikki, North of the country. 
 
The "feast of the throne and remembrance" recalls the flight of the Wassangari people before the violence of fundamentalist Muslims who wanted to convert them to Islam using sword and lance. Literally the word means to hide, snuggle something until safe shelter.
 
Currently it has become an identity day that brings together not only people with same cultural and linguistic expression but with a common destiny. Although the word “Gaani” exists among the Dendi people, it does not have the same value or the same historical and cultural significance among the two peoples. Thus, if for the Dendi, "gaani" means "dance", it is clear that the flight of the Wassangari is far for the Baatombu - as they are known - a simple "dance" instead of searching for a "shelter" to save their soul. 
 
Gaani remains an important Festival for the Bariba, celebrated every year in memory of the founder event.
 
Today the "Gaani" is celebrated everywhere the Bariba are installed and as they are also in Tanguieta, we had the privilege - April 9 - to participate in this celebration.
Characteristic for the "Gaani" are the horsemen and their horses, horse races and the dancing of the horses, but also traditional songs and drums, especially the talking drums.