Description: Immerse yourself in a celebration of cultural diversity at the Grassfield Cultural Day Festival! Join us for a day filled with live performances, traditional music, dance showcases, artisanal crafts, and mouthwatering cuisine from around the world. Experience the vibrancy of multiculturalism as we come together to share our heritage and foster cross-cultural understanding. Bring your family and friends for a memorable cultural extravaganza in the heart of Calgary! 

Grassfield
Cultural Day 2024 Report

The Grassfield Cultural Day 2024, organized by the Baboutcheu-Ngaleu Family Association of Canada (AFBNC), took place successfully on July 27, 2024, at Central Memorial Park in Calgary. The event gathered over 600 participants from the Grassfield community, Calgary, and other cultural communities. The goal was to celebrate the richness of the Grassfield cultural heritage, promote intercultural dialogue, and strengthen community bonds.

The day began with an opening ceremony, which included a traditional blessing honoring ancestors and official speeches highlighting the importance of culture and intergenerational transmission.

Throughout the event, outstanding cultural performances illuminated the stage: a percussionist on the djembé delivered a vibrant show of African rhythms, followed by a saxophonist who beautifully blended modern jazz with traditional African sounds. An Indigenous performer captivated the audience with dances and cultural narratives, showcasing the spirit of inclusion and respect for First Peoples. The Bambili Group, Bamileke Community of Calgary (BCC), and AFBNC members also presented traditional dances and songs, highlighting the diversity and beauty of Grassfield traditions.

The women’s involvement was particularly remarkable throughout the event. Grassfield women, dressed in beautiful traditional attire, led many of the performances, coordinated the children’s workshops, managed the barbecue, and contributed to the organization of several information stands. Their commitment and energy were key to the event’s success, demonstrating their central role in preserving and transmitting Grassfield culture.

Alongside the performances, a cultural exhibition allowed visitors to admire traditional masks, sculptures, beads, and Ndop fabric, emblematic of Bamileke craftsmanship. This cultural showcase deepened visitors’ understanding of the symbols, values, and history of Grassfield.

On the culinary side, the barbecue section was a major highlight, where participants enjoyed grilled meats such as chicken, pork, and sausages, along with safout (African plums) and grilled corn—offering a true taste of Cameroon’s traditional cuisine.

For the children, interactive workshops were organized, including an introduction to playing African drums, creating traditional bead jewelry, and learning cultural dances. These activities provided a hands-on experience, stimulating creativity and a deeper understanding of Grassfield culture.

A community engagement area featured several information booths offering educational and social resources, as well as activities for the entire family. This space encouraged networking and exchanges between the diverse groups present.

The day concluded with a closing ceremony, which included heartfelt thanks to the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, along with an invitation for the 2nd Edition of the Grassfield Cultural Day.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. Our partners, who provided logistical and financial support, played a crucial role in making this day a success. A huge thank you to the artists who delighted the audience with their exceptional performances, and to the volunteers, whose dedication and energy were essential to the organization and execution of every aspect of this event.

We also give special recognition to the women of the Grassfield community, whose involvement was outstanding. They not only led the performances, but also facilitated the children’s workshops, managed the information booths, and actively contributed to the meal and barbecue management. Their devotion to preserving culture and educating the younger generation was truly inspiring for all.

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to our partners: ATCO, the City of Calgary, and the Government of Alberta for their logistical and financial support. Their contribution was vital to the success of this event, and we thank them warmly for their commitment to our community.

The 2024 edition of Grassfield Cultural Day was a true success, strengthening the sense of community belonging, celebrating cultural diversity, and building lasting bridges between different cultures. The event contributed to passing on to future generations the pride and love of the rich Grassfield cultural heritage while inviting the entire Calgary community to join in the celebration of diversity.