Collaboration with Africa
PROGRAMME Africa
The United Nations is celebrating at present a decade decicated to People of African descent. Moreover, Africa has been declared as an absolute priority for UNESCO
Colombia played a pivotal role through its port, Cartagena de Indias, in the slave trade, one of most shameful pages in the history of mankind. Moreover, about 30% of Colombia’s population is of African origin.
For all these reasons, African themes will be of utmost importance for ITI Colombia as was witnessed by videos on Theatre in Conflict Zone, predominance of Africans amongst Youth Ambassadors for South-South Cooperation and also in the programme on cultural diplomacy.
Lastly, Colombia’s Centre Co-President Viktor Sebek, worked or lived in 37 African countries and is committed to the programme of African Heritage in Latin America in general and Colombia in particular.
Timbila, instrument declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and Mozambique
Masai tribes live in Tanzania and Kenya, and are nomadic people tending their cattle, often within national parks. They have a distinct culture music and dance.
Fianarantsoa is a town of great cultural heritage in south east region of Madagascar with some 50 churches.
Antsiranana (formerly Diego Suarez) is a town on the northern tip of Madagascar where people are a mix of Indonesians and Bantu African population. The country has a distinctive and unique flora, fauna, and culture including music.
Meskel is one of the two largest Christian Holidays in Ethiopia. Every year, on 27th September about one million people gather on Meskel square for a colourful ceremony of worship. It was in Ethiopia that was discovered the fossil skeleton of Lucy, the oldest human ancestor 3,2 million years old.
Amhara region is not only the source of Blue Nile, but also the center of some of the oldest and most important archeological monuments, ranging from Axum with its obelisks from the beginning of new era, to churches on islands on the lake Tana and castles of Gondar.
Lalibela is one of the most fascinating archeological sites of Ethiopian orthodox Christianity , with 11 medieval monolithic cave churches from 13th century.
Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia towards border with Kenya is a home of eight animistic tribes Mursi, Bodi, Suri, Hamar, Daasanach, Karo, Banna and Nyangatom.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is close to borders with both Congo and Rwanda. Whilst most visitors use it as the starting point for mountain gorilla watching, it is also famous for its dancing. In the new form of theatre, scenic art is used as a tool for environmental protection.
Kibale National Park is visited by tourists as an outpost for chimpanzee watching in Western Uganda. However, it is also the home of Batooro and Bakiga tribes, with fascinating music and dancing.
Ruhengeri Village in Rwanda is famous for trekking in search of golden monkey, one of the rarest in the world which can only be seen in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However, it is also a home of fascinating music and dances in which children, men and women participate.
Lake Kivu, Rwanda
