The 4th National Traditional Games Festival was held in Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire, on October 2-3, 2026. The event aimed to promote and preserve traditional Ivoirian games. The festival was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, which seeks to pass on the country's cultural heritage to younger generations. This year's theme focused on the importance of involving young people in preserving traditional games. The festival brought together 36 delegations from across the country.
Isabelle Anoh, Director-General of Leisure at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that the survival of traditional games depends on the involvement of young people. To achieve this, the ministry has initiated several projects, including the installation of 50 traditional game clubs in high schools and colleges nationwide. Ten of these clubs were established in Daloa. The ministry is also exploring the digitalization of certain games to make them more appealing to modern youth.
According to Anoh, a socio-anthropological study conducted since 2017 has identified 428 traditional games and variants in Côte d'Ivoire. The study's findings are being used to classify these games into major categories, facilitating their preservation, promotion, and transmission to future generations. This classification will enable the ministry to develop effective strategies for safeguarding the country's cultural heritage.
Hien Sié, Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, represented Minister Françoise Remarck at the festival. He highlighted the significance of traditional games as instruments for transmitting values, education, and dialogue between generations. Sié emphasized that these games allow older generations to share their heritage with younger ones, helping them understand their roots.
Mamadou Touré, Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Insertion, and Civic Service, encouraged young people to take ownership of their cultural heritage. He invited them to learn about traditional games from their parents and grandparents and then share this knowledge with their peers. Touré emphasized that traditional games contain a vital part of Côte d'Ivoire's identity and collective memory.
Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure, also stressed the importance of transmitting traditional games to young people. He noted that these games contain valuable knowledge and insights that can contribute to strengthening their role in Ivoirian society. Fofana's ministry is committed to promoting and preserving traditional games as an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.
The festival provided a platform for participants to showcase traditional games and dances from across the country. The event demonstrated the rich cultural diversity of Côte d'Ivoire and highlighted the importance of preserving traditional practices. The 4th National Traditional Games Festival was a significant step towards ensuring the continuation of the country's cultural heritage.
Key points
- The festival aimed to promote the transmission of traditional Ivoirian games to young people.
- 50 traditional game clubs have been established in high schools and colleges nationwide.
- A socio-anthropological study has identified 428 traditional games and variants in Côte d'Ivoire.
