Day 1 - Saturday June 26th 2004
Registration
Welcome and opening Ceremony

Day 2 - Sunday June 27th 2004
Rites of Passage (Cultural Initiation Day) - (Jola Culture - 'Futampaf')

Day 3 - Monday June 28th 2004
Cultural Participation Day - ( Mandinka, Bambara & Sarahule Cultures)
Family Visits - Various Locations

Day 4 - Tuesday June 29th 2004
Cultural Participation Day - ('Wollof, Serere & Fula Cultures)
Family Visits - Various Locations

Day 5 - Wednesday June 30th 2004
Juffure Day - Heritage Trail

Day 6 - Thursday July 1st 2004
Festival Day & Celebrations

Day 7 - Friday July 2nd 2004
Investment Forum

A celebration of Freedom - thru' Culture

The history of the Gambia is virtually like any other country with a past in colonisation. Today the Gambia has something unique that has yet to be replicated anywhere else in the world - an authentic Roots Culture.

The International Roots Foundation (IRF) now presents you with the opportunity to have a first hand experience of an inspiring Roots Culture. IRF will hold its biennial Roots Cultural event from June 26 to July 2 in 2004. The program offers a close encounter with Roots Culture - a diverse culture and heritage and a unique celebration of a full circle of the encounters of life.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• To Showcase Gambian Culture and Heritage to peoples of all races.
• To Reunite Peoples of African Descent who reside in the Diaspora with their Ancestral African Motherland; promote Cultural, Historical and Traditional values which reflect, re-affirm, restore and replenish African Identity.
• To provide a passage to The Gambia with additional opportunities and attractions that will allow and enable visitors to re-trace and re-embrace their African Heritage and Identity.
• To offer specialist advice on the Industry of the Country, her people, culture, Traditions as well as cultural group activities and suitable alternative accommodation from 5 star hotels to guest houses.
• To support African descendants in the Diaspora who are seeking to embark on a spiritual quest for further self enlightenment, discovery, development and fulfillment whilst confronting a physical past and coming to terms with their true antecedence.
• To restore African pride and discover further truths about our rich diverse culture and to explore the contributions Africans have made towards the civilisation of mankind.
• To promote, enhance and encourage African Unity amongst Africans in the Diaspora and Africa.
• To encourage excursions to Juffure, Fort James, Fort Bullen, Wassu Stone Circles and visitors centre, Janjangbureh, Museums, Cultural Centres, Batik Factories, Local Markets, etc.
• To promote Arts and handicraft exhibitions, The Gambia National Museum and meet elders in their villages and to have the opportunity to visit local schools, meet with children and participate in their day to day activities.
• To establish the truth about the history of Africa and the experiences of its people using the vehicle of African Arts/Culture/Music and Dance.
• To provide a forum to promote unity between Africans on the Continent and in the Diaspora.
• To reaffirm the common heritage of African people the world over and define Africa’s contribution to world civilization, etc., etc.
  

Further information on the 2004 International Roots Festival can be obtained from:

Nubian Travel Services
129 Craneborne Way
Hayes Middx, UK
United Kingdom
Tel: 020 8797 9660
Fax: 020 8797 9628
email: nubiantravel@boltblue.com
www.nubiantravel.co.uk

Useful Links

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/gambia/culture.htm

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