Local traditions and culture in The Gambia

Whereas in the western world you don't take time to greet people - in Gambia you do take the time and you do not only ask about how the person you are meeting is but you also ask about his/her family. Whilst listing no the locals i was wondering why i always heard the same sentences - asking about it learnt that they are asking how the family is, how the mum is, how the dad is doing etc. We should take time and do the same

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In early January the moslim in The Gambia celibrate the "TOBASKI". To celebrate Tobaski, every household that can afford it, buys a sheep and kills it, giving one third to relatives, one third to those who cannot aford to buy thier own and keeping a third for themselves. The sacrificing of the sheep is a very bloody affair and would disgust most westeners, as in this case sheep was held down on the ground and it's throat was cut with a very blunt knife, it took several minutes the sheep to die. After death the sheep was cut up and was on the BBQ within minutes. During the day neighbours would call in and everyone was given meat from the BBQ There is no set date for Tobaski and can vary by several days, when we were there, it was held during the second week of January and I was lucky enough to be invited to spend the day with a Gambian friend. We first went to his house where I was given a gown to wear to the Mosque. By the time we arrived at the mosque the whole area surounding the mosque was filled with thousands of people coming to pray. Everyone was dressed in their best clothing and the whole atmosphire was rather like a carnival accept for the short religious service which lasted for about fifteen minutes. The sevice over we went back to my friends house where the rest of the day was spent eating and having fun. If you are ever in The Gambia and are lucky enough to be invited to the festival you should go, the slaughter of the sheep is horrible to see but that is just a small part of the celebrations, (I'm a butcher so it had little effect on me) and your host will understand if you do not want to see the sacrifice, and it will be I can promise you, a day to remember.

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tobaski is held in December. this is a massive religious gathering held by all muslims. The build up to it all the men are saving hard to buy their prized sheep, or goat, so expect it to be a bit manic days prior to it. if you want to attend the service like we did women must be covered up. we stood at the back and watched with awe, we did leave though before they slaughtered the sheep.

I recommend to take all the money you will need in cash with you. That is because I didnt see any cash machines but I have heard that there are two in the whole country.
Money exchange is very easy at your own hotel reception.
Notes are very dirty so its wise to have something like cleaning tissues with you.

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The Gambians eat always from a bowl - men from one and the women from another. We get to use spoons because we were guests from Finland but usually locals eat by right hand. Left is for..well you know what.
Drinking while eating is considered disrespectful towards elder people. Food was very spicy and we were among friends so it was okay for us tourists to drink.
You are suppose to eat your own part of the food that is on your spot of the bowl. After eating the spoon is placed under the small table.
Food was rice and sauce with meat and potatoes. Dont know the name of it.

About 80 percent of Gambia's population relies on local agriculture. The land surrounding every village is made up of small plots dedicated to the growing of crops. Each of these food plots is owned by one family, and range in size from 12 to 22 acres (five to nine hectares). The main crops include millet, manioc, corn, beans, eggplant, and bitter tomato (a type of hot pepper). In addition, many people grow peanuts as a cash crop to bring in a little extra money.

Just a tip from my Tour Company Rep. in the Gambia. The name ‘Lamin’ is very common for men in the Gambia. It’s like ‘Joe’ in America. He said if you ever need service in a restaurant, hotel or bar, just shout ‘Lamin!’ and someone will come. I only tried it once. It worked.

The Gambians trust you when you say "I'll pass by later and buy something" or "I'll come back tomorrow".
Don't use this as an alternative to saying no, they'd rather you told the truth and that way they won't waste their time waiting for you.