RWANDA: Another look at tourism

Next on Red Rocks Rwanda calendar is another event named “Seeds of Hope Festival” to be held from March 24 to 26 at its center in Musanze.

According to Bakunzi, the `Seeds of Hope Festival’ is a community-organised event that aims to recognise the peaceful progression of the reconciliation process and celebrate the planting season of the year.

The event aims to raise cultural awareness of the county’s hidden talent and enhance cultural dialogue.

Through music and dance, Bakunzi says, locals deliver an entertaining and cultural experience which allows the audience to gain an insight into the traditions of Rwanda.

The show is planned to feature locals competing in drama, scintillating dance, poetry, and music.

The event is also to feature food tasting of different traditional Rwandan cuisine, and Bakunzi says visitors should expect more than what they currently know about Musanze, a rich agricultural district in Rwanda that is also known as the food basket of  Rwanda.

During a visit to Red Rocks Rwanda in November last year, Sports and Culture minister Julien Uwacu revealed that her ministry was keen on maintaining communication and collaboration with all cultural tourism players in the country.

“We really appreciate all that has been done so far, especially the spirit of working together with the local community,” she remarked, and urged the proprietors to work even harder to better conceptualise and package the idea of community tourism.”

In the course of her tour, she had amused tourists and locals alike when she went down on her knees to take part in the process of making traditional banana beer.

Bakunzi says that it is in that spirit that visitors and locals alike who want to experience Rwanda’s authentic traditional culture and sightseeing are welcome to participate in Red Rock’s monthly cultural events since “ culture is not only knowing about our past but also  acts as a vehicle  to strengthen a sense of community.”

Bakunzi adds that everyone has the onus to sow seeds of love, health and justice through our everyday actions and decision, and since its establishment, Red Rocks Rwanda based in Musanze, has been at the forefront of creating a platform for community members to participate in cultural events that not only showcase our deep traditional culture but also give them a chance to market their talents and create avenues for economic and social development.

“Red Rocks Rwanda’s projects and events provide training in sustainable organic farming and create income- generating activities to the vulnerable families within adjacent community surrounding Red Rocks. The community-friendly event celebrates the changing season with live music, beer and local banana wine,” adds Bakunzi.

Guests can purchase produce at this event which features fresh harvested crops, thereby supporting their co-operatives.

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editor@independent.co.ug