On May 15, 2025, Burkina Faso celebrates Customs and Traditions Day, a national holiday dedicated to preserving and promoting the country’s ancestral heritage, cultural identity, and traditional values. This important celebration reminds all Burkinabè of the need to embrace their roots and foster unity.
In his official message, President of the Transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, called on citizens to reconnect with the ancestral wisdom that shapes the country’s soul.
“This day is an opportunity to draw from the fertile sources of our ancestral knowledge to strengthen our love for our Homeland,” said President Traoré. “The heritage passed down from our forefathers is our fortress.”
A Day to Reflect and Celebrate Culture
Throughout the country—from Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso, Kaya, and Dori—people are celebrating with traditional dances, colorful clothing, rituals, and ceremonies. Customs and Traditions Day in Burkina Faso is more than a celebration; it’s a living expression of African identity and spirituality.
Fostering Unity, Peace, and Respect
This year’s theme emphasizes tolerance, mutual respect, and the acceptance of diverse beliefs. President Traoré encouraged traditionalists to pray for Burkina Faso’s peace and stability.
“May this celebration reinforce tolerance, the acceptance of our differences in beliefs, and mutual respect, so that together we can build a peaceful, united, supportive, and prosperous Burkina Faso.”
Passing Culture to Future Generations
The holiday is also an opportunity to educate the youth on their cultural history and spiritual foundations. Traditional leaders, elders, and artists take center stage in passing on the legacy of their ancestors.
Amid growing global challenges, Customs and Traditions Day in Burkina Faso serves as a powerful tool for national cohesion and identity.