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Somalia
20-12-2021 | di COOPI
Somalia. A traditional heritage festival by COOPI
On 19th December 2021, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale held a traditional heritage festival for the Yemeni refugee community, Somali returnees, and Internal Displaced People in Mogadishu which was supported by UNHCR under the project “Promoting Self-reliance and livelihoods for Somali Refugee Returnees in South Central Somalia”. The objective of the event was to enhance the co-living, coexistence and mutual appreciation of different and diverse cultures practiced by the Yemeni refugee and the Somalis.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from government officials, Yemeni refugees, Somali returnees, IDPs, community committees, and other parts of the community including women, men and youth.
The festival featured a variety of performances that reflect the cultures of Somalia and Yemen such as Dhaanto, Buraanbur, and Baraa dance, a famous Yemeni traditional dance. Artifact utensils of the Somali cultural heritage were also displayed at the venue.
The festival was highly appreciated by the participants, who expressed their satisfaction with the event and how educational it was:
“We have learned so much about each other’s culture. The Yemenis and Somalis both emphasized the importance of this event coming back as it will help strengthen the harmony between them.”
The Yemeni refugee community have also stated that they felt as they are in their homeland.
COOPI started in 2017, by adopting a comprehensive approach, to improve the level of self-reliance and livelihoods of people in need. This has been achieved by stimulating local economic development, increasing access to marketable livelihoods skills, restoration livelihoods and improving access to financial services.
