Cultural Tourism in Rwanda
Rwanda’s culture is undoubtedly the most interesting on the African continent. Unlike most of African states, Rwanda is a unified state dating back to the pre-colonial times. It is occupied by Banyarwanda a group of people who share the same values and language. There are three groups of people though sharing the same language and culture, the Hutu, Tutsi and the Twa. Rwanda’s music, dance and craft are a back bone to their cultural heritage identifying their unique nature from the rest of Africa.
Traditional dance
This is Rwanda’s remarkable cultural performance in a long period performed wearing grass wigs and clutching spears. Intore is a local word meaning “Chosen Ones” who used to perform for the royal courts. The dancers are seen jumping high as they roll their hands that look boneless. The Ingoma (Drums) are played to provide the African rhythm that the dancers follow as another group claps and sing for the dancers. This beautiful dance can be seen in most cultural villages and lodges in Rwanda by many cultural groups and the locals.
Art and Crafts
Baskets are weaved by the locals and are used to store food and medicines by the locals. The dry containers weaved are also used as gifts during the traditional ceremonies especially wedding to the couples. Pottery is also Rwanda’s old culture and the Batwa pottery skills are still used to design in many towns in Rwanda. The pots made are also used for cooking and storing food in some areas of this country.
Umuganda
Umuganda is a local word meaning “Giving a hand”, the people come together to work together for the good of the entire community. It is no wonder Rwanda is one of the cleanest country across Africa. This exercise happens every las Saturday of the month where all the shops and businesses are closed, buses are stopped on all the roads. Some of the activities done this day include litter pickup in all your neighborhood, tree planting and sometimes building houses for the needy people in your community.
