Culture of Burundi

The culture of Burundi is based on local tradition and the influence of its neighbors, though its prominence has been hindered by civil unrest.

Music

See also: Music of Burundi

Traditional drumming 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

See also: List of writers from Burundi

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.

Recreation

Football in Burundi

See also: Football in Burundi

Football is a popular pastime throughout the country, as are mancala games. Many Burundians celebrate Christian holidays and Burundian Independence Day, though the largest celebration occurs on New Year’s Day with feasting and traditional drumming and dancing.

Food and Drink

Burundian cuisine often contains red kidney beans, and is 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.

In some areas, brochettes and frites are a popular remnant of the Belgian colonial period. A national brewery produces Primus and Amstel beers.^[1]

Education and Environment

Central Bujumbura, capital of Burundi

Burundi has the University of Burundi. There are several museums in the cities, such as the Burundi Geological Museum in Bujumbura and the Burundi National Museum and the Burundi Museum of Life in Gitega. Adult literacy is at about half among men and about a quarter among women.

There are several wildlife and nature preserves, and the southern town of Rutana contains a monument to the source of the Nile River.

References

1. ^ the quiet planet. me. June 2006. p. 607. ISBN 9781741042863. 

External links

• Canadian Cultural Profiles Project, Burundi
• Travel Agency cultural information
• Lonely Planet: Burundi
• Small article on Burundi culture