In the heart of Bamako, Mali’s bustling capital, the streets came alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Rendez-Vous Chez Nous festival. Organized by the Nama marionette and dance group, the three-day event, held from November 6 to 8, showcased a dazzling array of dance performances, concerts, and theatrical plays. The festival’s centerpiece was a parade of over 200 giant marionettes, representing modern Malian women adorned with bold features, colorful attire, and intricate hairstyles, alongside animal puppets symbolizing unity and social cohesion. Despite the city’s ongoing struggles with al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants, who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports, the festival drew thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and participants from across West Africa. Yacouba Magassaouba, the festival director, emphasized the resilience of Malian artists, stating, ‘We fight through our art. Canceling this festival would mean the jihadists have won.’ The event, supported by the Spanish embassy and other partners, highlighted Mali’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of creativity and community. Amid the chaos, the festival served as a beacon of hope and defiance, celebrating the nation’s artistic legacy and fostering regional unity.
Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture
