Togo Culture

Ethnicities and languages ​​spoken in Togo:

Ewe and Guins populations in the South, and Ana Tem in the Central region, through the Bassar Kabyés Tamberma and the Kara region and Moba-Gurma the extreme north, are all people remained deeply rooted in their traditions that Togo has to discover.

The official language of Togo is French. The two national languages ​​are Ewe and Kabiyé the last two were chosen in 1975 by President Eyadema. There are also 42 dialects in Togo which mina (Ewe dialect spoken in Lomé), which serves as a lingua franca for the south, the MOBAA the Kotokoli and Fulani. The best known traditional festivals in Togo

Ayiza (Harvest festival in the Zio): According to the history of the Ewe people, the founders of the city of Tsévié migrating south (exodus Notsé which dates back to 1720) and without tired, decided to plant beans. When was back on the road, the sowers protested, demanding to expect the harvest. From there came the current name of Tsévié formed « Tse » (produce) and deviated (a little). Ayiza owes its name to the bean « Ayi » and is celebrated annually on the 2nd Saturday of August in Tsévié.

Epe-Ekpe (Historical festival Guins): This is probably one of the most important ceremonies of the entire West Africa. Clean the Guens from Ghana in the 17th century to settle in the Lake District in 1663, Epe-Ekpe is the opportunity of taking the sacred stone (Kpessosso) remains the core around which all events.  This festival marks the beginning of an ethnic Guin. It has no fixed date but is usually celebrated in the month of September of each year and a few times in August at Glidji Kpodji.

Togbui-Agni (Harvest festival of Adja-tado Middle Mono): This is the traditional festival of AdjaTado, population located mostly in the Southeast Notsé in the prefecture Middle Mono. This is a unique opportunity for formal release of « King of the earth » to Tado. It gives rise to several rituals to exorcise the disease, thanks to the spirits of ancestors and Mother Earth for a bountiful harvest in the year and pray blessings on the people. According to some versions, tado be derived from « Atawoadé » which means  » to over come (disease). This reunion party in the diaspora Adja is celebrated on 2nd Saturday of August in Tado.

Ovazu (Harvest festival in the country and Akposso Akébou): « OVAZU » is composed of words Akposso « Ova » (fonio) and « Zu » (feast). Its purpose is to thank the gods who favored an abundant harvest and protected members of the community. According to history, fonio has played a key role in the fight against the invading enemies Akposso people. Ovazu is celebrated annually on the 2nd Saturday of December alternately Amlamé and Badou.

Gbagba-Za (harvest festival of Ewe Agou): It is a cultural-religious manifestation of Ewe Agou. several deities revolve around this event which Gbagba goddess is one of the centerpiece. It is the same for Apetofia, one of the deities revolve around this event which Gbagba goddess is one of the centerpiece. It is the same for Apetofia, one of the deities worshiped forests, plains and mountains Agou. It comes once a year under the guise of a real beast in parade to visit his family. Gbagba the party sets the tone for the consumption of the new yam is celebrated on Saturday 1 August in the capital of the prefecture.

Agbogbo-Za (historical festival Ewe): More than a ritual feast, Agbogbo-Za is the largest festival of traditional Ewe people. It marks the Commemorate the exodus of Ewe people in the seventeenth century. The first ritual ceremonies begin from 1 st Thursday of the month from September to Notsé. The climax takes place on the first Saturday of the month in the same city.

Odon-Tsu (harvest festival in Ogu): Celebrated by Ifè Day (Ana) Prefecture Ogou. « Odo » means « party » and « Tsu » is the genius of the Earth, the mysterious force that grows cereals in general and in particular yam tubers. This yam festival which takes place on the last Saturday of July in Atakpamé is marked by spiritual and traditional ceremonies dedicated to Mother Earth.

Dzawuwu-za (harvest festival of Ewe Kloto):

This is a cultural practice that is based on traditional beliefs in the region Kloto. it is also a party in which in ancient times was spread for the gods and the spirits of ancestors prepared meals with the beginnings of some crops (maize, cassava, yam.). It is celebrated every year on the 1st Saturday of the month from August to Palimé.

Initiation party whip (party initiation Tamberma countries). It is held every four ans.Kilikpo (harvest festival in Tchamba). This is the feast of abundant harvests and the advent of an extraordinary era. It is marked by the use of the new yam and is surrounded by a ritual of offerings to deities spirits, twins, protective spirits. It is celebrated every yearThe Tchamba first Saturday of August and that happens to be a month of welfare, abundance and sanctification.

Gadao-leaned (Feast of knives): The name-leaned Gadao is the common term for two major festivals namely Gadao Tem Tem for and leaned to the community Didaouré heavily Muslim. The history of Gadao is related to a burst water pond inexhaustible a place that became known as Tabalo and where she had pressed the Chief Mola leaving a red Chéchia. Consequently, the name Gadao became a myth and is celebrated to thank the ancestors for a bountiful harvest. Is leaned knife dance performed by clans Traore Toure, Mende, Cisse, Fofana who populate Didaouré. It takes place during the third month of the Islamic lunar year. The Gadao leaned-party following the Islamic calendar does not have a fixed month-long celebration in Sokode.

Habye (religious festival of the Kabyé Kozah): It is a magical dance demonstration. it is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength occult sorcerers. It provides for the initiated, the opportunity to prove a mutually control the forces of nature. It is held every five years in November. It is also Triennial in some cantons Kozah.

Sinkaring (Party initiation and harvesting of Kabye of Binah): Entymologiquement, Sinkaring come a couple of verbs Sankuu means washing hands, purify and Karuu which means being ready to face the trials of life. Sinkaring which has its origin in Lama Tessi is a test by which the young are subjected Kabye of Binah in endurance and strength so that he can defend his community. This is a test for the young to enable their integration into the adult class. It is also a harvest festival because after the songs and dances, just tasting donuts bean and the local drink, fruit of new crops. it is rotatable one canton and is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of December.

Sintou-Djandjaagou (harvest festival of Nawdéba and Lamba Doufelgou): It is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of April by the people of the prefecture Doufelgou party. She wants the crossroads of cultures and peoples of the prefecture as it is a compendium of rituals, events and typical encountered among ethnic groups in the province namely dances the Nawdéba and Lamba. This dance is also performed to venerate the memory of ancestors and thank them and the Almighty for good harvest in order to bless the season begins. It takes place at Niamtougou.

Tislm-Difoini-Oboudam (harvest festival and initiation in Keran): This festival, which brings together all the people of the Keran is a tribute to the gods and ancestors for providing abundant harvests. This is also an opportunity for the people of the Keran detect riches contain their customs and traditions and counting the youth complex due to acculturation. It is celebrated on the second Saturday of the month from February to Kante.

On pontr / N’dack (harvest festival in Bassar country and Konkomba): It marked Bassar country and Konkomba the beginning of a new year. The yam cultivation in the region remains the key element around which is the meaning of D’pontr and N’dack. On pontr N’dack and provide an opportunity for the man or bassar Konkonba the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his labor of the year and allow him to offer the first fruits to the gods and spirits of the ancestors sign of recognition. It is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of September and alternately Bassar Guérinkouka.

Evala (Party initiation Kabyé countries): Evala is the feast of the struggle Kabyé countries. This is an opportunity for young evalou to distinguish among its coinitiés by their strength, endurance and elegance of their dance. The ceremony of initiation ritual that is practiced individually from house to house in the month of January allows 18 year olds to integrate adult class. closing ceremonies start on 11, 12, 13 and 14 July, which coincides with the second Saturday of each month this year. They last a week and take place in all districts of the province.

Kamaka (harvest festival of Assoli TEM): Originally Kamaka TEM language means « hammock » that was used to carry a sign of honor who during the year was characterized by a great harvest and moreover helped the poor through donations of agricultural products. It is also a mark of gratitude to the ancestors for giving the people TEM Assoli abundant crops. The ceremonies are held on the second Saturday of December each year Bafilo.

Tingban pab (harvest festival of Moba Grand Tône): It is a traditional festival celebrated every year on the second Saturday of December after major crops. It is defined as the solemn occasion to thank the various deities by their beneficial actions have contributed to a good harvest. It is rotating in the capitals of prefectures and sub-prefectures.

Koudapaani (harvest festival of Oti): Formerly religious party girls: Kouroubi, it is now experiencing a new name: Koudapaani (condensed Kouroubi-Dakou-Tigbanpaani) which signify fertility and harvest. All populations of the Oti agreed to the new name of their prefectural party in order to sustain peace and seal a new alliance between them. it is a worship of spirits in a communion of brotherhood and peaceful solidarity. It is celebrated on the 4th Saturday of the month of January of each year to Mango.

•Culled from www.thecityofart.wordpress.com