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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 81156, member: 636"]
A major cultural festival just launched with a big push from government officials. Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow opened the Banjul Cultural Festival at Arch 22, a weeklong event celebrating Gambian heritage from December 25 to January 1. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, including cabinet members, tourism board representatives, and cultural groups. Jallow called the festival a powerful expression of national identity that unites people, praising the Ministry of Tourism and its partners for improved coordination through a national task force. He highlighted traditions like hunting and masquerade linking Banjul to wider West African culture, and emphasized the event's economic potential with diaspora support.

Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe framed the festival as a flagship effort to position Banjul as an international cultural destination, part of a strategy to boost tourism and the creative industry. He noted that an EU-funded project trained thirty cultural group members in event management, and promotional efforts have already reached over sixty thousand viewers. The festival complements other national initiatives like the Janjanbureh Kankurang and Masks Festival, aiming to make Gambian tourism inclusive and sustainable. International Trade Centre representative Yusupha Keita reaffirmed support for the event as a nationally recognized attraction, focusing on training and promotion standards.
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