'Gbagbadhê': The festival's objectives revealed
'Gbagbadhê' means thunder in the Bhété language. The festival bearing this name aims to promote the culture of the Bhété people of Gagnoa through objectives unveiled by Pascale Ziega. As the initiator and general commissioner of the Gbagbadhê festival, she spoke with the press this weekend about the cultural event.
According to the general commissioner, this year marks the 6th edition of the festival. It will be held in Gnaliépa, a village within the municipality of Ouragahio. She explained that she was born there. Furthermore, she added, the rural setting provides the ideal environment for cultural expression.
“Culture must be lived in our villages, on the land of our ancestors. Where it was born, so as to facilitate its transmission to future generations. Because we want to root it, to perpetuate it, to make it a unifying cultural element for all the Bhété people,” said Pascale Ziega.
Addressing the festival's objectives, the woman from Gnaliépa outlined them on several levels. Culturally, the aim is to safeguard and transmit Bhété dance and values to younger generations, combating the loss of ancestral traditions and rites. From a social perspective, the festival seeks to unite the diaspora and strengthen community cohesion. Economically, this cultural event is expected to boost the local economy, creating temporary jobs for the duration of the festival.
"We want to attract investors and partners to our municipality," she explained.
Adding that the Gnalépa destination will be popular throughout the festival, as it will be an opportunity for visitors to engage in cultural tourism.
In conclusion, Ms. Ziega appealed to the entire population to actively participate in the festival.
It is scheduled from August 27 to 30, 2026.
Lyne Zahui / © Gagnoa.net
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