From Yagoua in the Far North region of Cameroon, the sound of tam-tams and traditional songs are heard indicating the start of the International Festival of Arts and Culture Massa – Tokna-Massana.
With the new challenge in sustainable development, the festival holds after a decade as it brings it's people together to magnify, project culture. It holds with support from the Head of State, President Paul Biya and the Minister of Arts and Culture, celebrating Massa people of Cameroon, Chad and the Diaspora from June 24 to July 2, 2023.
The Massa festival was organized for the ninth time this year under the theme: “Carrying Tradition, Disseminating Culture, Promoting Development” . It was a moment of communion for the large Massa family and a unique opportunity to reassess and perpetuate Massa customs and traditions by integrating them harmoniously into modernity.
A rich and diversified cultural program
with an economic and commercial fair to the election of the miss Logone.
Horse race, canoe races, an exhibition of Massa culinary and divinatory arts, a traditional Massa dance carnival, a traditional wrestling competition, a giant concert with guest artists were part of activities that made it fanfare.
The festival showcases the culture of the Massa people, providing room for modernization and development within a community. It holds every 2 years and it alternates between Yagoua in Cameroon and Bongor in Chad, a form of diversity and cultural integration.
The 9th edition of the international Massa arts and culture festival which brings together the Massa people of Cameroon, Chad and the Diaspora has been held since June 24, 2023 and will end on July 2, near Yagoua in the Mayo-Danay department in Cameroon.