FESTIMA

Origins and purpose

A group of Burkinabé university students established the Association for the Protection of Masks in 1996. They created the event because historic masquerade traditions were fading from daily life. Masks originally emerged from indigenous animist spirituality, which is now followed by a minority of the local population. Since the dominant faith in Burkina Faso is Islam, which does not incorporate ritual masks, the founders sought to protect these ancestral creations on cultural grounds. They noted that even if the religious role has altered, the masks remain valuable artistic and communal heritage.

Mask performances and music

Masked dancers take centre stage throughout the festival week. Performers represent diverse groups such as the Bwaba, Marka, and Yoruba peoples, each wearing distinct regional masks. Live musicians support every routine using hand drums, wooden balafons, and whistles to establish the tempo. Because the dance steps communicate specific ideas and traditional narratives, an interpreter is often present to explain the deeper meaning of the performance to the audience.

Festival activities

Beyond masquerade dances, the seven-day programme provides a broad array of educational and civic events. Scholars and community leaders lead seminars exploring regional history and heritage. Audiences gather for storytelling contests and structured activities designed to teach children about local folk customs. A large open marketplace operates alongside the artistic displays, welcoming both local residents and thousands of international visitors who travel to witness the masks.

How FESTIMA is kept

Over the seven days of the gathering, performers from dozens of regional communities take turns dancing in traditional masks. Masked dancers move to the rhythm of balafons, whistles, and hand drums while commentators explain the steps to spectators. Alongside these public dances, participants attend cultural seminars, youth workshops, storytelling contests, and a busy community marketplace.

When and where

The festival takes place biennially during even-numbered years. A typical edition spans seven full days, generally scheduled between late February and the first week of March.

The festival is based in Dédougou, Burkina Faso, and has also been staged in nearby Bankuy. It gathers masking traditions and participants from across West Africa.

What FESTIMA means

African masks hold deep roots in animist spiritual life, where they historically served religious roles in community rituals. In the context of the festival, organisers view them as essential living art and shared heritage. By separating cultural appreciation from religious devotion, the event allows ancient traditions to be respected and celebrated across different faiths.

Questions people ask about FESTIMA

See also

Vodun DaysA Benin public holiday on January 10 honoring the Vodoun religion with rituals and community gatherings.GeledeA Yoruba masked dance festival honoring the spiritual power of mothers and social harmony.World Festival of Black ArtsA recurring month-long gathering of arts, music and writing from Africa and its diasporaHogbetsotso festivalAn Anlo Ewe festival in Anloga recalling an escape from Notsie

Good reading and sources

• In Burkina Faso: FESTIMA, a festival of African masksAl Jazeera, Article
• In Burkina Faso: FESTIMA, a festival of African masksAl Jazeera, Article

• FESTIMA on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.