27 May 2008
For those interested in the Gambian culture and the African culture at large cannot chose a better time to visit the country with the International Roots Festival approaching.
Among the events organised for the festival which will take place from May, 30th to June, 7th, figures the crucial Futampaf rite of passage on June, 5th in Kanilai Village, followed by ritual dances and a Roots Gala dinner.
Rites of passage represent key moments in the life of all Gambians, regardless of their religious beliefs, from the naming ceremony seven days after the birth, to the Futampaf rite which marks the passage of men into adulthood, to the wedding ceremony.
The Futampaf rite is also common in other countries such as neighbouring Senegal and used to be the first and only initiation that men would receive in their lifetime, teaching them everything related to their new responsibilities as male members of the community.
Young men used to be isolated for months preceding the ritual, before returning into the community with a new personality.
Nowadays, young men who often attend university, also want to be able to preserve this valuable cultural heritage and still allow themselves a couple of days of isolation before the ritual.
