[PHOTOS] Cultural tourism show spices up 'Kwita Izina'

As part of the 12th annual gorilla naming ceremony, Kwita Izina, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) and Red Rocks Backpackers Campsite teamed up to showcase Rwanda’s culture and traditions. Under the theme Cultural Tourism Show, the event was held at Red Rocks camping site in Musanze District on Thursday and it was attended by several guests, including conservationists, local leaders, students and Musanze residents. Girls also showcased traditional ways of modelling. / Julius Bizimungu. The event included sketches displaying the social economic dimension of the Rwandan people. Guests were taken back to the kingdom days, learnt how the power was divided and how Rwandans fought for the stability of their country – all displayed through musical performances and poetry. They were also taken through basket-weaving sessions, banana beer brewing and testing as well as traditional dances. Servants take the drinks to the King to bless them. This was part of showcasing how Rwandans used to live. According to Celestin Ntawirema, the founder and organiser of RCFS, the main aim of the show was to connect conservation with cultural tourism and help people understand the interconnection between the two. “We are passionate about conserving our cultural heritage and protecting our natural environment. The idea of creating this ‘Cultural Tourism Show’ is part of reminding people about the historical and environmental importance of the volcanoes, home to mountain gorillas. We believe the two go together and have an unprecedented role in our communities,” he said. Traditional dancers entertain revellers at Red Rocks. / Julius Bizimungu. Jean d’Amour Manirere, the operations coordinator at Red Rocks, said such shows are about bringing together people and creating a platform for them to be able to learn more about ancient Rwanda and gain insights into our culture and tourism. “The show is more than what people think about conservation and cultural tourism. Many people at times think that tourism is only about gorillas but there’s something beyond gorillas that was even there before gorillas- that is our culture,” said Manirere. Servants had a big role in protecting the king. / Julius Bizimungu. “Here is, therefore, an opportunity for people to come and experience a blend of culture and tourism all in one package,” he added. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Entertainment

[PHOTOS] Cultural tourism show spices up 'Kwita Izina'