The University of Juba's Main Campus in Atlabara is set to host the sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival from November 7 to 14, 2026. Organisers aim to promote peace, unity, and national reconciliation through cultural diversity, traditional heritage, and artistic expression. The festival will bring together cultural groups, artists, and communities to celebrate South Sudan's rich cultural heritage while honouring the legacy of the late Derik Uya Alfred.
The Derik Cultural Festival was established to honour the legacy of Derik Uya Alfred, who dedicated his life to promoting cultural development in Sudan and South Sudan. Alfred believed that culture was a fundamental pillar of nation-building and an important instrument for fostering unity, reconciliation, and a shared national identity. His lifelong commitment to cultural development continues to inspire the annual event.
This year's edition of the festival will be held under the theme "Advancing Peace Through Culture," reaffirming the festival's commitment to using cultural activities as a platform for promoting peace and development. The theme aligns with the vision of Derik Alfred, who viewed cultural engagement as a bridge to peace and peace as the essential foundation for progress and prosperity.
The festival will honour Professor Peter Adwok Nyaba in recognition of his intellectual contributions to discussions on governance, national reform, and peaceful coexistence. Professor Nyaba's concept of a "House of Nationalities" remains an important framework for building a peaceful society through constructive dialogue and engagement among different communities.
The organising committee, led by Mathiang Cirilo, has announced that several partners, including the University of Juba's School of Arts, Music and Drama, Al Markaz Al-Salam, and Norwegian People's Aid, are sponsoring the festival. Their involvement is crucial in making the annual cultural celebration possible.
The festival's activities will take place at the University of Juba's Main Campus from November 7 to 14, with proceedings also broadcast and updated live through the festival's official social media platforms. This will allow audiences beyond Juba to follow the celebrations and engage with the cultural exchange, artistic expression, and dialogue.
The sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival is expected to provide a platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and dialogue, while encouraging South Sudanese communities to embrace their diversity as a foundation for lasting peace, unity, and national reconciliation. The event aims to promote peace, unity, and national reconciliation through cultural activities.
Key points
- The festival's theme for 2026 is "Advancing Peace Through Culture."
- The event will honour Professor Peter Adwok Nyaba for his contributions to governance and peaceful coexistence.
- The festival will be held at the University of Juba's Main Campus in Atlabara from November 7 to 14, 2026.
