Things to know About Rwandan Culture
Things to know About Rwandan Culture : Despite being one of the top safari destinations for wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is also one of the nations in Africa that exhibits great cultural diversity and originality. You’ll see that the country still stands out as a gorgeous location, even though the genocide act of 1993 caused it to be terribly upset. Numerous events are planned expressly to bring the Rwandan people together and guarantee peaceful coexistence. It goes without saying that such cultural events are significant to both the Rwandese and foreign visitors. Here are top eight facts regarding Rwandan culture that you should be aware of before visiting and exploring Rwanda:
MUSIC AND DANCE
Music and dance have always played a significant cultural role in all of Rwanda’s activities, such as storytelling, social gatherings, and festivals. Drums, the dance of heroes, and Intore are three distinct categories into which the music and dance are classified in Rwanda. Men do the dance of the heroes, but women are the only ones who can do inure.
Every social group that lives in Rwanda has its own style of oral music transmission. Drummers are always given significant prestige in the community because drums are such an important component of music and dance. When you visit Rwanda, you’ll notice that the drummers frequently break out into groups of seven to nine people to play the drums. Your trip and stay in Rwanda will undoubtedly be enhanced by the music and dance culture, Things to know About Rwandan Culture.
CUISINE
Do you know what traditional staple foods are? When it comes to traditional dishes, Rwanda has a fantastic culture. The cuisine made from staple foods obtained through subsistence farming operations is one of these common foods. Cassava, beans, sweet potatoes, plantains, and bananas are a few of the primary foods you may find in Rwanda. You’ll be surprised to learn that most Rwandese prefer eating fish, particularly tilapia, and that they rarely consume meat throughout the month.
In order to prepare the food, cassava, bananas, and sweet potatoes are frequently combined. A traditional delicacy made from corn flour known as ugali will also be available for you to try. That is not to say that there aren’t any other meals available except the usual fare. International cuisines and fast food items like French fries are available at hotels. After eating, you’ll grab some milk, beer, locally brewed liquor, fruit juice, or wine, all of which are readily available.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Look at the arts and crafts produced in Rwanda. You can expect to see interesting crafts and artwork wherever you go in the country. These kinds of arts typically start out as useful objects, but some of them have grown to become decorative pieces today. In particular, bowls and baskets are among the most typical pieces of artwork you may encounter. The “imigogo,” which is created by combining cow dung with natural soil of various colors, is one of the most fascinating arts. If you enjoy art, consider visiting Rwanda on your vacation.
Rwandan Culture
AMASUNZU
You must be delusional if you believe that Rwanda is falling behind in terms of cultural style, modeling, and fashion. The Amasunzu hairstyle has been around since Rwanda’s traditional era and is completely distinctive. The hair is cut from the side of the head for the style, and the top is expertly braided. This hairdo is more than just in style. Anyone with the look was seen as powerful, prestigious, aristocratic, and daring , Things to know About Rwandan Culture.
UMUGUNDA
There is still the Umugunda practice in Rwanda in the category of distinctive cultures. The fact that Rwandans from all walks of life come together, band together, and seek to improve their community is such an intriguing activity. It is always held on the final Saturday of each month. When you arrive, you’ll notice that the majority of the stores are still closed, the buses have vanished from the streets, and traffic congestion has been reduced to an unproven theory. During Umugunda, some people participate in community service projects like building homes for the less fortunate, planting trees, picking up trash, etc.
LITERATURE AND FILM
Rwanda has not had any written literature for a very long time. It is one of the most innovative and cutting-edge practices. However, Rwanda should be regarded as one of the best custodians if you consider the culture of traditional oral literature, such as folklore and oral legends. The ibisigo, the ubucurabwenge, and the ibitekerezo, which are royal poems, royal genealogies, and epic music poetry, respectively, are some of the acknowledged forms of this traditional literature. Any time you travel to Rwanda, you will appreciate this literature, Things to know About Rwandan Culture.
INTORE DANCING
You can see some of the greatest traditional music moves by the performers, who are frequently regarded as the chosen ones, by participating in the cultural practice of inré dancing. The intense dancing is highly remarkable because these performers are constantly given military training and taught special jumping techniques. The dancers’ attire is likewise distinctive. They wear grass wigs and carry spears while performing. Dance is a true spectacle in Rwanda.
ETIQUETTES AND SOCIAL BELIEFS
Western culture has had little influence on Rwandan societies. When you get there, you’ll see that the majority of people—roughly 70%—live in rural areas. The Rwandese continue to be courteous and full of manners because they don’t get much exposure in the countryside. Rwandese who live in rural areas are unaffected by the influence of western culture, which is primarily present in urban areas.
