Every year, the Abidjis of the Ivorian village of Yaobou celebrate the founding of their community through the Dipri festival. This festival, known as “water that washes away” in the local language, holds significant importance for the Abidjis as it allows them to honor their history and roots.
During the Dipri festival, a chosen member of the community leads the ceremony, a role traditionally passed down through generations within certain families. This year, Koffi N’guessan was selected to facilitate the celebration.
The history of the Abidjis traces back to present-day Ghana, where they escaped conflicts within the Fantis community. Their heritage is defined by a heroic act of sacrifice, where one individual allowed the rest of the group to cross the Comoé River safely. The Dipri festival serves to commemorate this pivotal event in the community’s history.
Participants of the festival wear white attire symbolizing purity and apply kaolin on their faces, representing peace and gentleness. The Kpon, a mystical trial, features members of initiated families showcasing their spiritual abilities.
While some Abidjis exclusively engage in the cultural aspects of the festival, others partake in various activities, underscoring the diversity of practices and beliefs within the community. The Dipri festival also marks the commencement of the traditional year in the Abidjis’ calendar, aligned with the fourth lunar month.
Despite differing religious affiliations, with figures like Father Marius Hervé stressing the significance of bridging tradition and modernity, the Dipri festival remains a potent symbol of the Abidjis’ cultural heritage.
Beyond its celebratory nature, the Dipri festival serves as a vivid testament to the cultural richness and diversity of Ivory Coast. It epitomizes the transmission of ancestral wisdom and the unity of a community bound by tradition. This festive occasion fosters intergenerational bonds and preserves the Abidjis’ cultural legacy for generations to come.
For more information on the Abidji people and their Dipri festival, you can visit the Africanews article.