FESTIMA (FESTIVAL DES MASQUES ET DES ARTS)

Since 1996, Dédougou has been known to host the festival of masks, during which masks of great beauty take place with the release of fibre masks, leaf masks, white masks, fabric masks and feathered masks. About twenty Burkinabe villages, as well as masks from neighbouring countries (Benin, Mali...), participate in this cultural event that attracts spectators and journalists from all over the world. The mask releases are naturally accompanied by traditional music. You can watch the show standing in the crowd (watch out for the sun, which can be biting) or sitting in the stands. We see the protagonists coming out of the forest dressed in leaf costumes, surmounted by a crest or a straw beak and whistling beautifully many songs of different birds. It is forbidden to photograph them, we don't know how they would react! For those who are particularly interested in this event, which we strongly recommend, it is possible to continue the discovery of the masks beyond the festival. The Asama will be able to put the traveller in contact with a local guide.

It is also preferable to contact the Asama for details of the organization and to make reservations.