The Gaani ‌Festival: A Celebration of Heritage‍ and Culture​ in‍ North-East⁣ Benin

The Gaani, an emblematic ⁤festival ‌of north-east Benin, symbolizes the ⁣combination of ⁤the heritage of the Wassangari and the Baatombu.‍ For the‍ second time under the ⁤reign of the current emperor, His Highness Séro Torou Touko‍ Sari, ​Gaani 2024 will be marked by various cultural ‍events ​and significant ceremonies. From​ the ritual procession to the new activities that enrich the celebration,⁤ discover the five essential​ elements ⁣to understand this year’s edition which spans three days, ⁣from ‌September 13 to ‌15, 2024.

Understanding the Gaani Festival

1.‍ What is ‍Gaani?

Gaani is‍ an ‌identity festival celebrated annually in ‍the cultural⁣ area⁣ of ​​Baatonou and Boo,⁢ in northeastern Benin. ⁣Imported by the Wassangari, an adventurous people fleeing jihad, it⁤ notes that they coexist with the native Baatombu in the Nikki region.

The emperor’s festival of New Theme (Baatonou cultural⁢ area), which ⁤represents the⁤ entire Baatonou ‌cultural area. The Wassangari has political power,‌ while the native ⁣retains social, cultural and spiritual ⁣power. This is‌ also why the Sinandounwirou‍ reigns, the land ⁢chief,⁤ who acts ‌as Prime Minister independently of the Wassangari emperor.

2. How ‍is ⁢Gaani ​celebrated?

The ‍Gaani celebrates the new ⁤year. ⁤The emperor leaves his palace, ⁤blesses his⁣ population with the loyalty of the kings of the⁢ kingdoms under his command.‍ The festival begins with the release of the⁢ sacred drums the day before‌ (Sankirou) and continues the same day (Sonnirou) with brass drums and trumpets played by the initiates. The emperor traveled about ⁤11 kilometers in⁤ a ritual procession,‍ praying at seven⁢ stops, including‌ at the imam’s house and at the tombs of his distant predecessors.

3.‍ Content of the Gaani

This⁢ year, ⁣the Gaani ⁢will be the second under the⁢ reign of the current emperor, His ⁢Highness Séro Torou Touko Sari. It is⁣ also expected that this will⁤ be the last to⁣ be celebrated on the site of the current palace,​ before moving to a new palace built by the government. Delegations from Nigeria, Ghana ⁣and‌ other countries are ‌expected at the event.

On the cultural ‍side, Gaani 2024 is planning singing‍ and dancing events, horse racing, stables, and ‌a traditional wrestling competition. ‍There are⁢ also new animations added,⁢ such as the participation of the Shabè⁣ through⁤ the dance of the Guèlèdè masks.

4. Gaani the Queen Mother

In Nikki, the Queen⁣ Mother, the “Gnon Kogui”, ​”holder of the sacred razors”, celebrates her own Gaani a week ‌after​ the emperor’s. But first,‌ in Kayessi, the day after the emperor’s Gaani,⁤ she baptizes the ⁢princes and ⁤princesses by shaving ​their heads ​and giving ⁢them ​names‍ according ​to their lineage. This ceremony has a‍ more intimate character and ⁢mainly brings together local populations, the delegations from other⁣ countries and foreigners‌ who⁣ have⁤ already ‍returned home.

The Gnon Kogui, who represents female political power, is traditionally the eldest sister of ⁣the emperor, although this is⁢ not the rule today. She is now an elderly woman, widowed and postmenopausal, ‍in a position of high authority in the‍ empire’s hierarchy. She is ‌clearly ⁣ahead of the ministers in ‍the order of court protocol.

5. La Gaani on SRTB​ media

SRTB (Société de Radio et‍ Télévision du Bénin) will ⁢provide unprecedented coverage of Gaani 2024. We will offer you ​live replays during ​the‌ news as well as‍ real-time​ coverage on ​its digital platforms.