Traditions of Banjul
The capital of The Gambia, home of the kora and griot song and a great Roots Festival of memory.
Banjul lies at the mouth of the Gambia River. The Gambia is the home of the kora, a 21-string harp-lute, played by the jali, the hereditary musicians of the Mandinka. The Roots Festival, an international event, remembers the history of the slave trade and welcomes visitors with African heritage.
Kora and Kankurang
The kora's flowing sound accompanies songs of history and praise. The Kankurang, a masked figure covered in red fibre, appears at initiation rites to protect the initiates and keep order, a practice recognised by UNESCO. The Roots Festival, with its boat trip to Juffureh, honours memory.
At the table
Domoda, a groundnut stew, is the national dish. Benachin, one-pot rice with fish, and yassa, onion and lemon sauce, are eaten from a common bowl. Benechin, ebbeh and fresh oysters are everyday foods. Attaya, three rounds of green tea, is a social ritual.
Signature traditions of Banjul
Also part of it, and being written: Kankurang (The mask ceremony.), Domoda (The national dish.).
A trail idea for Banjul
- Arch 22 A national monument.
- Albert Market Browse for cloth.
- Juffureh See the village of Roots.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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