Burkina Faso Culture

Burkina Faso – a country of Cultural Magnificence
Burkina Faso is a culturally sophisticated country. It is roughly divided into two parts, each with different historical origins and cultures; the central and eastern regions were historically dominated by kingdoms and chieftaincies.
About 90% of the country’s population comprise of an African descent belonging to over 60 different tribal groups with differing tribal languages. Among the most significant being the Gurmanché (extreme east); Bisa and Gurunsi (south); Mossi (Central); Fulbe and Tuareg (North); Bwaba, and Samo (northwest); The Voltaic are far more numerous and include the Mossi, who make up about one-half of the population. The July 2000 estimated 11,946,065 Burkinabè belong to two major West African cultural groups-the Voltaic and the Mande.
Cuisine
Burkina Faso cuisine is typically of West African. It generally consists of staple foods such sorghum, millet, rice, maize, peanuts, potatoes, beans, yams and okra. It’s really just survival fodder for the locals’ maximum filling-up potential at minimum cost. The most common sources of protein are chicken, chicken eggs and fresh water fish. The most common Burkinabè beverage is Banji which is fermented palm sap and Zoom-kom.
Cultural Festivals & Music
Burkinabes have an evident love for music deep rooted in their ways of living. The drumming culture is so pronounced during ritual ceremonies and in celebration of weddings.

Cultural Entertainer

Participants of dancers decorate themselves with masks supplemented by wind and stringed instruments which makes the dances so charming. Cultural and traditional ceremonies of the many ethnic groups in Burkina Faso have long involved dancing with masks. However, there is some colonial influence of the dances today. What a great country to tour if you are interested in learning West African dances!
Religion
Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christianity shares about 30%, and followers of traditional African religions (typically animism of various forms) make up about 20%. However sometimes elements of animism are incorporated in Christians and Muslims religious practices.
Language
The primary language used in Burkina Faso is French, the language of the former colonizing power. This is the language in public administration, education, business and the media. Though there are also several historical and tribal languages widely spoken such as Mooré (in the Central dominantly and Dyula (West), a few other languages are also used in radio programs and on television news. Others are Bwamu, Dagara, and Lobiri, Bisa, Sane and Bobo.
Marriage
Today arranged marriages, which were the rule in former times, are rare, especially in urban contexts. In a customary marriage, the husband pays bride price to the bride’s family. The amount varies according to ethnic group from symbolic to substantial contributions that take many years to acquire. Women join their husbands after marriage, and this forges an alliance between two families. Divorce is possible; any children stay with the husband’s family, and the family receives the bride price should the woman remarry. If the husband dies, the widow is expected to marry a brother of her late husband. Polygamy is extensive especially with in the traditional and Muslim faiths, but is opposed by the Christian churches. The culture of Burkina Faso is indeed quite appealing for any visitor.