The eighth edition of the Koulo-Yôfê festival in Assalé-Kouassikro, Côte d'Ivoire, will take place from December 28 to 31, 2026, with a focus on promoting and preserving the Ahossi, a traditional cultural practice of the Agni-Morofwè people. The festival's general commissioner, Anoh Marcel, announced this year's theme on October 3, 2026, in Krégbé, highlighting the importance of preserving and passing down this cultural heritage to younger generations.
According to Anoh Marcel, the Ahossi dance used to exist in Assalé-Kouassikro but has since disappeared. The festival aims to revive its practice in the locality and make it a significant part of the community's cultural identity. The Koulo-Yôfê festival, created in 2019 by young people from Assalé-Kouassikro, seeks to promote social development, customs, and cohesion among communities.
This year's edition promises to be a grand and exceptional event, with several activities planned, including a "Night of Ahossi" featuring five groups specializing in the traditional dance. The Pétéplé Ahossi group has already been officially invited, along with a group from the locality and three others. The festival will also include an initiation session for young people to learn about the Ahossi and encourage its adoption and transmission.
The festival organizers plan to open up to other communities in Moronou, particularly the Baoulé people, to foster exchanges around cultural heritage and strengthen social cohesion. A "Night of Customs and Traditions" will allow participants to rediscover ancient practices through reenactments and activities designed for young people.
The Koulo-Yôfê festival also aims to promote the tourist potential of Moronou. After a successful visit to Diaman around the "miraculous rock" last year, organizers plan to explore other local tourist sites. The festival will also showcase local gastronomy, highlighting traditional dishes that were once consumed in the region.
The event seeks to make culture a tool for transmission, valorization of heritage, and rapprochement between communities in Moronou. With this edition, the festival organizers hope to build on the success of previous years and create a memorable experience for participants.
Through the Koulo-Yôfê festival, Côte d'Ivoire's cultural heritage will be celebrated and preserved, ensuring its transmission to future generations. The event is expected to be a significant cultural event in the region, promoting social cohesion and community development.
Key points
- The Koulo-Yôfê festival will focus on revitalizing the Ahossi cultural heritage of the Agni-Morofwè people.
- The festival will feature a "Night of Ahossi" with five groups specializing in the traditional dance.
- The event aims to promote social cohesion, cultural heritage, and community development in Moronou.
