Kobine Festival 2013

 

The Kobine Festival takes place in Lawra every October. It marks the end of the Traditional Calendar which is based on the "farming seasons." (Harmatan, which is dry and windy, preparing the land for farming, planting season, weeding season, harvest season.) The Festival is a time to give thanks to God, the gods and the ancestors for a successful harvest. 

 

The week before the Festival, most people are very busy. Houses and places of business are painted. New clothes are being made. Cooking is done for the many family members and friends who will be back in Lawra for the Festival. Women get their hair done. And, booths are set up to protect the vendors from the bright sun. Of course, I can't forget the many, many football (Soccer) matches played throughout the week. The final match will take place on the first day of the Festival, with a puppy given to the winning team. (He will be a sacrifice to the gods for success in the matches.) The first day is arrival day for the numerous out of town guests and visitors.

 

The second day starts at 6 am with a bicycle race from Lawra to the village of Babali, about 1/2 hour away by tro tro. The sellers set up their wares and pray for a good day. Everything that is sold at a typical weekly market is sold during festival...tons of tomatoes and okra, as well as dishes and kitchen ware, bags,





 

Traditional smocks,

 

and, my personal favorite, batik cloth!

 

 

The official opening of the Kobine Festival starts with the parade of Chiefs, or Naas, walking under big, red, umbrellas...very regal! They are preceded by men doing the Dance of the hunters. The men are dressed as if they are going out for the hunt. The man in the front, waves two dried elephant ears. 

 

 

Another man carries antelope antlers. The dance is complete with many gunshots!

 

 

After the Chiefs are settled in their places of honor, the speeches begin. Speeches are given by all the dignitaries...the Paramount Chief of Lawra, the Regional Minister, The district Assembly Minister...Next, comes the Traditional dancing! The dances are done to the music of the traditional wooden xylophone and each dance team is in traditional costume. There are many, many dance teams, several of which will compete during the next day of the festival.

 



 

Some people would say the Festival lasts four days. But, the arrival and departure days are included in those four days. The main part of the festival takes place during two days. There is plenty of dancing and drinking of pito, the local fermented drink. All night drumming, xylophone playing and general partying takes place. But, this old woman was not awake to witness it!

 

Kobine Festival s a great time to enjoy the culture f the area, be with friends, shop and give thanks to God for all the good things He has done! Thank You, Lord!