In the village of Motiamo, Côte d'Ivoire, the Dègah community recently gathered to celebrate the Côta ceremony, a traditional event that honors the deceased and reinforces community bonds. The ceremony, part of the Gbônon Festival, took place on November 6, 2026, and brought together villagers from various locations in Côte d'Ivoire and abroad. This celebration is an essential part of the Dègah culture, allowing community members to come together and pay their respects to their ancestors.
The Côta ceremony is a significant expression of Dègah cultural identity, passed down through generations. According to Yao Souleymane Ouattara, president of the Mutuelle pour le développement économique et socio-culturel de Motiamo (MUDESMO), the ceremony is a way to honor loved ones who have passed away and to show that they have not been forgotten. The date of the ceremony is determined by the village's elders and traditional knowledge holders, in accordance with the ancestral calendar.
For the participants, the Côta ceremony is also an opportunity to reconnect with their origins and preserve family ties, despite geographical distance. Kouamé Yaoué Emeline, who traveled from outside the village to attend the ceremony, testified to the importance of this tradition. She stated that her presence was a response to a family and cultural duty, allowing her to accompany a deceased person and pay homage to her late father.
The Côta ceremony is not only a tribute to the deceased but also marks the end of the traditional year and the beginning of a new one. During this time, families make wishes for happiness, peace, and longevity for their loved ones and the community as a whole. This celebration has been part of the Gbônon Festival for eight years, according to Yao Souleymane Ouattara, and contributes to the transmission of ancestral values and the strengthening of community solidarity.
The Dègah community, a minority group in Côte d'Ivoire, is related to the Gurusi, Koulango, and Abron populations. In the Gontougo region, they are mainly established in Boromba, Motiamo, and Zagala. The community also has a presence in Ghana, where they maintain cultural ties with their nationals. The Côta ceremony is an essential part of their cultural heritage, allowing them to preserve their traditions and strengthen their community bonds.
The celebration of Côta is also a moment of family reunions, reflection, and communion between generations. It allows community members to come together and share their experiences, ensuring the continuation of their cultural traditions. The ceremony is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving their cultural identity and passing it down to future generations.
In Côte d'Ivoire, the Côta ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one's ancestors and cultural heritage. The Dègah community's efforts to preserve their traditions and cultural practices are a valuable part of the country's rich cultural diversity. The Côta ceremony is a significant event that showcases the community's resilience and commitment to their cultural identity.
Key points
- The Côta ceremony is an essential part of Dègah cultural identity, allowing community members to honor their ancestors and strengthen community ties.
