Gerewol Festival and nomadic cultures (Sept 2020)
In this trip to Chad of ethnic character, we will visit some of the most fascinating nomadic groups of the country, such as the Wodaabe, the Danedji - Kanoumoudji, the Alidjam and the Arabs.
In addition, we will attend the Gerewol festival for three days, one of the most important cultural shows in this part of the African continent.
The Wodaabe and the Gerewol Festival in Chad
September, end of rainy season. Every year in the surroundings of Dourbali, about 120 kilometers from the capital of Chad, two large Wodaabe family clans (the Sudosukai and the Japto) come together for an impressive beauty contest known as Gerewol.
The Gerewol Festival is a ceremony where the men dance and compete to be the most beautiful and the women are judges and can choose their future husband.
A unique opportunity to relate and find a partner, before these families of nomadic shepherds, separate their paths in search of better pastures.
For the Wodaabe or Bororo there are three essential reasons in life. The first relates to their personal appearance, the second to their cattle and the third to their family and relations with their clan.
The Wodaabe consider themselves the most beautiful people in the world.
We'll see how the Wodaabe are an unmistakable ethnicity. Men wear robes and turbans and women wear black robes. Both wear numerous geometric facial tattoos.
Cultures and nomadic peoples of Chad
In September water and pastures are abundant in the Chari region - Baguirmi and different clans and nomadic Fulani ethnicities concentrate with their cattle around Dourbali.
With the help of our local contacts, we will reach two different transhumant camps, where we will have the opportunity to meet two Fulani subgroups: the Alidjan and the Danedji - Kanoumoudji.
The nomads Danedji - Kanoumoudji differ among other things, of other nomadic groups peuls of the region, in that they only possess white cebues. They are also recognisable by the incredible beauty of the women, their colourful clothes and the huge rings they wear on their ears and nose.
We will continue our journey through Chad travelling 250 km north in search of the large nomadic Arab camps (Aoulad Rachid). As with the Wodaabe and the Gerewol, Arab nomads hold different celebrations at this time of year. In a festive and colorful atmosphere we will spend two nights with the nomads Aoulad Rachid.
If you want to know more about the Wodaabe and the Gerewol Festival of Chad, visit this post of our blog
Gerewol of the Wodaabe, the ceremony of the most beautiful people in the world