This article discusses the cultural Heritage of Equatorial Guinea, the culture which includes tradition and historical sites of Equatorial Guinea.
While lying on the enriched continent of Africa, Equatorial Guinea has proved to be entrenched in ancient rituals and songs. This is especially true for the Fang, a people whose territories begin at the southern edge of Cameroon south of Kribi, Djoum, and Mvangan in the South Province and continue south across the border, including all of Río Muni in Equatorial Guinea, and from there south into Gabon and Congo. The capital island of Bioko has largely been influenced by Spanish customs and traditions during the colonial period, when education and health services were developed in the country.
Traditions
Many Bubi farmers still hold to their ancient customs. One of the country’s most famous celebrations is the abira, which is believed to cleanse the community of evil. The balélé dance is performed along the coast throughout the year and on Bioko around Christmas.
Religion, race, and language
Most people in the country are nominally Christian, but practice a combination of Roman Catholicism and traditional pagan customs.
Spanish, French, and Portuguese are the official languages of the country.
Read: PROVINCES OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Despite a veneer of Spanish culture and of Roman Catholic religion that is thicker in Bioko than on the mainland, Equatorial Guineans live largely according to ancient customs, which have undergone a revival since independence. Among the Fang of the mainland, witchcraft, traditional music (in which the Fang harp, the xylophone, the great drums, and the wooden trumpet are used), and storytelling survive. Spanish aid is much oriented to educational and health services. Among the Bubi farmers of Bioko, some ancient customs are still followed.
Music
The Fang is known for the mvet, an instrument that looks like a cross between a zither and a harp, and can have up to fifteen strings. The semi-spherical part of this instrument is made of bamboo, and the strings are attached to the center by fibers. Music for the mvet is written in the form of musical notation that can only be learned by the initiates of the bebom-mvet society. Music is typically call and response with a chorus and drums alternating. Musicians like Eyi Muan Ndong have helped to popularize folk styles.
Tourist attractions include the country’s island beaches and Monte Alen National Park, located in the continental portion of Equatorial Guinea. The park’s thick tropical rainforest is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and hundreds of species of birds.
List Of Historical Monuments in Equatorial Guinea
1.Catedrál De Santa Isabel
This gracious, on the west side of the Plaza de España, the apricot-hued building is the most beautiful in the country. Llairadó Luis Segarra, the architect of this monument of Equatorial Guinea had some input from Antonio Gaudí. The construction of this building began in 1887 and it was completed in 1916. It is flanked by two 40m-high towers and the style is Gothic Revival. It has three naves. It has recently been restored.
2. Plaza Del Reloj
Plaza del Reloj is also known as the Plaza de la Libertad. This large square feature the clock tower. The name of this clock tower is reloj. Plaza del Reloj also features a memorial statue of the warriors. These all warriors were fought in the 1979 coup. Now it is counted national monuments in Equatorial Guinea.
3. Benito River Bridge
Benito River Bridge connects Bolondo with Mbini. This bridge is very impressive and attracts tourists across the globe. This bridge was built by Chinese architects and spans the Benito River and replaces the old ferry. It’s lit up every night, but do not take photos because it is prohibited. People of this city called it as only a city but known as one of the famous monuments in Equatorial Guinea worldwide.
4. Equatoguinean Cultural Centre
With large windows, this center is a lovely colonial building. It is a bright yellow building on the main street. Serving as a performance area and gallery it has a central atrium and during your visit, it is worth visiting to see if there’s anything culturally planned. Using free wi-fi, there are always lots of young people about. It is counted in one of the historical monuments in Equatorial Guinea.
5. Catedral De Santiago Apóstol Y Nuestra Señora Del
Catedral de Santiago Apóstol y Nuestra Señora del is built by the Spanish in 1954. This ochre-plastered cathedral is one of the religious monuments in Equatorial Guinea and picked out in brown. This whole building stands proud on a hill. It’s a severe-looking place, but if you find it unlocked, the stained-glass windows are worth seeing.
6. Casa Verde
In the early 19th century, this deep green house was prefabricated in Belgium. Casa Verde has recently been restored. It is a prominent landmark and one of the top monuments in Equatorial Guinea. It is highly regarded in Malabo. Government is planning to shape Casa Verde as a museum.
7. Sagrada Familia Church
Overlooking the sea in the village of Basakoto, this small yellow church is in a picturesque location on a wooded hillside. It is one of the old monuments in Equatorial Guinea. This whole area comes in the south of Malabo. Apart from iconic tour of this church you can also take a tour of Bioko Island. This island will also take you through the village.
8. Spanish Mission House
In ruins now, the Spanish Mission House is one of the iconic building and best monuments in Equatorial Guinea. This mission house dates to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Spanish Mission House is used to be home to many European missionaries, merchants and colonial authorities. All these were living on the islands Equatorial Guinea.
9. Torre De La Libertad
Torre de la Libertad was built in 2011. The aim of constructing this building was to celebrate Equatorial Guinea’s independence. This imposing structure is to overlook the sea and surrounded by gardens. It is considered in one of the unique monuments in Equatorial Guinea.
10.Obelisk
Obelisk is one of the popular monuments in Equatorial Guinea. The obelisk is dedicated to Pope John Paul II because he visited Equatorial Guinea in 1982. From that time there is a tradition started that many Pope visits this Obelisk that is situatie in Bata, a city in Equatorial Guinea. If you are planning to make a trip to the country don’t forget to pay your respect here at this place.