“Our goal is to promote dialogue between cultures and enhance African cultures,” said Erick Cakpo, president of the cultural association of Africans in Séléstat and its surroundings (Acase), as the Africa Day returns to liven up the Victory Square in Séléstat on Saturday, May 23rd. “The event has been around for 10 years but couldn’t be organized during the Covid years,” Cakpo added.
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can explore various aspects of African culture through different activities. “This day is linked to World Africa Day on May 25. It is an important day celebrated by the entire African continent and the African diaspora,” continued the association’s president.
“Changing the image of Africa,” as the event is titled, aims to celebrate Africa in all its diversity. Cakpo explained, “We want to showcase the richness of Africa, its potential, and move away from wars and misery. We want to break free from this negative image and show what Africa is capable of.”
The Africa Day event, primarily focused on the African continent, also reaches the Pacific Ocean to land in Tahiti. The event features Tahitian dance demonstrations by the Tau Tiare association. This geographical detour was simply explained by the president: “I want to say, everything starts in Africa (laughs). It’s an open event, and we make sure people travel.”
Activities cater to both children and adults. Passersby can dance to the rhythm of African percussion with the group Zama and its African dance demonstration. Meanwhile, in the Sainte-Barbe cellar, objects and products from Africa will be exhibited and sold, fundraising for organizations. Children can enjoy beautiful ethnic face paintings while making their African masks.
Located around the terrace of L’Alsace brewery, the Africa Day event also spreads to the pedestrian street Sainte-Barbe. “Everything is set for an African ambiance; we even ordered the weather,” smiled the Acase president.
Traditional dishes cooked by association members will also be available for sale to complete the journey. “People can enjoy mafé or traditional Senegalese dishes. The drinks are also typical of Africa.” This colorful event gathers all the elements to celebrate Africa and its diversity.
Africa Day will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Victory Square and Sainte-Barbe cellar in Séléstat. For more information and the program, visit the Acase association’s Facebook page.
