The Kuru Dance Festival in Botswana, scheduled for August, aims to celebrate the culture of the San people in a way that is unique and spectacular. From storytelling to dancing, this festival is a celebration of art and culture that draws people from across the southern parts of Africa. It is celebrated annually at the Dqae Qare Farm located in the D’Kar village in Botswana. It is a proud gathering that allows different people to come together in peace and appreciation.
Kuru Dance Festival started in the year 1997 with a vision to commemorate and celebrate the culture of the San people. Now it has developed into an internationally renowned cultural festival capable of showcasing the traditional performances of the San as well as acting as a medium for different ethnic groups from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa to foster collaboration and peace within the continent.
The Kuru Dance Festival is an extraordinary festival like no other. The diverse performances celebrate the lifestyle of the San people and their close relationship with nature. Attendees can expect to see many dances celebrating the culture, like:
Hunting and Gathering Dances: Each dance recognizes important rituals like puberty or courtship and celebratory importance within the life of a San individual.
Rites of Passage: An spiritual act performed by shamans whereby they go into a trance state to communicate and perform healing with ancestors.
Trance Healing Dances: These are spiritual performances where shamans enter trance states to communicate with ancestors and perform healing rituals.
It isn’t just about culture, but rather the preservation of the San identity in light of contemporary issues. Several institutions like the Kuru Development Trust actively spearhead the festival to aid the San people. The festival uplift the imaginary as well as the pride among San people sharing their culture with the outside world.
The Kuru Dance Festival is set to host visitors who will get an opportunity to experience the marvelous Kalahari Desert through the lens and mind of the San people. The Dqae Qare Farm during the festival is filled with magical dances along with the music of the San and the great hospitality of San people. There will also be an amazing chance to enjoy the San food, see their craft creations as well as take part in workshops on culture.
The festival takes place in D’Kar, which is easily accessible from Ghanzi. The area has many camping and lodging options which will allow for an enjoyable stay during the cultural festivities.
‘The Kuru Dance Festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the San people. The festival features a lot of activities, including fun interactions with the San community, participation in traditional dances, and the chance to take part in a celebration that the San people’s enriching history and culture. The Kuru dance festival in Botswana shows how rich the African culture is amidst several celebrations in Africa.
Written By: Elijah Adedotun Fasade
