This post discusses the culture of Burundi which also includes their cultural life and in addition historical sites in Burundi.
CULTURE OF BURUNDI
The culture of Burundi is based on local tradition and common influence with its neighbors.
Throughout history, Burundians have enjoyed a tradition of expression in the visual arts. Decorated papyrus panels, which feature geometric patterns and often depict themes from Burundian legend, are prized by collectors of ethnic arts, as are Burundian-made swords and drums.
MUSIC
Traditional drumming of karyenda is an important part of Burundian cultural heritage, as indicated by the world-famous Royal Drummers of Burundi. Traditional dance often accompanies the drumming, which is frequently seen in celebrations and family gatherings. Some Burundian artisans have special songs to accompany different stages of their work.
LITERATURE AND ORAL TRADITION
During the 1972 genocide, many Burundians involved in higher education were killed, stalling written culture. This combined with the lower literacy rate have encouraged an adherence to Burundi’s strong oral tradition, which relays history and life lessons through storytelling, poetry, and song. This is evident in kivivuga amazina, an improvisational poetry contest played by cattle herders, in which they boast their abilities or accomplishments.
CUISINE
Burundian cuisine utilizes maize and bananas as staple foods and often contains red kidney beans.[2] Meals are not usually accompanied by sweet foods or dessert. During celebrations and gatherings, Burundians drink homemade banana wine and beer, sometimes drinking through straws from a single large container.
Read: PROVINCES OF BURUNDI
In some areas, brochettes and frites are a popular remnant of the Belgian colonial period. The presence of Lake Tanganyika Lake Tanganyika adds fish such as ngangara and mukeke to Burundian cuisine. A national brewery produces Primus and Amstel beers.
CULTURAL LIFE
Much of Burundi’s rich cultural heritage, most notably folk songs and dances, was intended to extol the virtues of kingship; however, since the fall of the monarchy in 1966 (and particularly after a massacre of Hutu in 1972), such cultural expression has waned.
HISTORIC SITES IN BURUNDI
Burundi has made remarkable progress since the 1972 and 1994 genocides but it’s important for both Burundians and visitors alike to learn about what happened and remember the victims hence the country has preserved the historical sites.
These offer a reflection on the different ways of remembering victims of the periods of violence that
Burundi has suffered since independence.
Historic sites in Burundi have been summarized to include the following:
- Buta Memorial Site
- Kibimba Memorial Site
- Gutumba Memorial Site
- Livingstone–Stanley Monument in Burundi
- Burundi Museums