Burkina Faso Local Customs

 
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Local music: Balafons

by hydronetta

Balafon is a traditional musical instrumental typical of West Africa. In Burkina is found mainly in the areas in the South. Balafon consists of wooden keys of varying lengths positioned on a wooden frame. Below each key is a calabash (a vine grown for its fruit, but dried used as a bottle, utensil, or pipe!) which acts to make the typical sound. A balafon can differ on its shape length and key number according to the tribe using it. A fine occasion to see them is to visit the music museum in Bobo Dioulasso.

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Gaoua museum - the sacrifice

by pfsmalo

The small statues outside of a Lobi house act as an altar and also for the bringing of good luck to the house. As such, there has to be a sacrifice to the statues to help them(the statues) make the decisions as regards the house. A Lobi will not undertake a voyage or make an important decision without first consulting his fetishes. People who know Africa will know that this is true of many Africans, even those that practice another religion, whether Christianism or Islam. Although this sacrifice was not really gory, it is not for the squeamish.

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Fetiches 2

by jantichm

Normally people sacrifice hens or chickens.Although depending on the importance of the request they can can sacrifice lambs or cows too.Near Bobo Diulasso there's a river where it is custom to sacrifice animals and offer its guts to sacred fishes (siluros) that live there.There's frequent to see civil servants requesting ascents or not to bedismissed when the Gobernment changes

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Fetiches

by jantichm

Burkina Faso is a country basically animist.Although an important part of the population of Burkina is Muslim or Christian, the majority practices animistic rites too.You can see altars for sacrifices or fetiches in the strangest places

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Animal sacrificies

by Svillegas

You should remember that you are in Africa, there are some local cultural traditions that are still in practise like animal sacrifices. Try not to be too sensitive, although for you it can seem a barbaric it is normal for them and they really believe on it.Recuerda que estas en Africa, existen tradiciones locales que todavía estan en practica como por ejemplo los sacrificios de animales. Intenta no ser demasiado sensible, aunque a ti te parezca una barbarie para ellos es muy normal y realmente creen en ello.

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wedding gifts

by lizad

Women in Burkina Faso receive a lot of wedding presents and these are displayed in the front room of the house for every one to see. Druing the wedding ceremonies they are displayed in the house of the bride and guest can come and admire them It is common for a bride and her relatives to have a photo taken with the presents.

Unusual wedding customs

by lizad

the Jula ethnic group of Burkina Faso has a practice of carrying the bride around in a special bed, with adult men holding the bed and dancing to the drums and singing that accompanies the celebrations

Slow down!

by sarahandgareth

I think one of the most important things to develop in Burkina Faso is patience. Life moves at a very different rhythm to that of most Western travellers, and if you are going to enjoy your journey, you simply have to accept that.Sometimes, your bus will leave hours or even days late, because they want it to fill up completely or because there's some mechanical problem. Sometimes, it's just that people are curious to talk to you and you find your time is no longer really your own. But at the end, you're the visitor, so it's best to adjust. Even greetings can be quite demanding from a traveller's perspective: Burkinabè have ritualised greetings, like in many countries, so when taking your hand, they'll ask, How are you? And your family? And your job? And your journey? Again, get used to it: it's part of what makes the country fascinating, and make an effort to answer the questions and...

People are friendly in Burkina...

by Narviking

People are friendly in Burkina Faso. Dont refuse if the locals invite you for a cup of tea and want to chat with you. Its so interesting to meet them and see their way of life. PHOTO: SOME PEOPLE IN NORTHERN BURKINA FASO SITTING IN THEIR TENT.

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In the Northern part of...

by lichinga

In the Northern part of Burkina, you may meet the Peul people. They wear a tipical coical-sahped hat, made with straw and leather. A lot of people buy them as a souvenir and they can be easily found in the main market places.By my point of view, it is extremely interesting to see how farming is organised in Burkina, taking into consideration that all the rain will fall in a limited number of days. People traditionally prepares holes, with half-moon shape, in which all the different kind of seeds are sown: the staple cereals - sorghum and pearl millet - manage to give a cob in 47 days. The problem is it is difficult for the farmers to keep their own seeds, which are the only ones to grant these characteristics: if they should rely on the seed from the market, no suitable variety may be found. Unfortunately, keeping the seeds is possible as far as you don't need to face shortages during...

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Local traditions and culture in Burkina Faso

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Reviews and photos of Burkina Faso attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Burkina Faso sightseeing.

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Local Customs: Cities in Burkina Faso
  1. Bobo-Dioulasso Local Customs
  2. Gorom-Gorom Local Customs
  3. Manéga Local Customs

More Cities in Burkina Faso

 

Popular Regions in Burkina Faso

Province du Kadiogo Local Customs  Province du Houe Local Customs  Province du Sanmatenga Local Customs  Province de l' Oudalan Local Customs  Province du Mouhoun Local Customs  Province du Poni Local Customs 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Could someone please tell me if Mastercard can be used in Burkina Faso? I have conflicting reports on this. thank you. 

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A: I haven´t tried Mastercard there, but in general it is rather difficult to pay with Mastercard in most African countries. If hotels etc accept a credit card at all, they... 

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