The Kwibuka celebration in Rwanda

The Kwibuka celebration in Rwanda : The Kwibuka celebration in Rwanda is an annual celebration, done to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. During this genocide over one million lives were lost in just 100 days; so, the commemoration is to remember the lives lost and the lives affected; and it’s a sign of commitment that Rwandans are committed to not let such a thing happen to them again.

Kwibuka is a Kinyarwanda word that means “to remember.” So, during the Kwibuka season, it’s a season to reflect on the past the present and the future, it’s a time to foster unity and renewal for the people of Rwanda and all those living in Rwanda at a time.

Kwibuka celebrations will start on April 7^th every year and go on for the next 100 days usually crowned with a mega celebration event held by the state. But through the 100 days Rwandans with the international community will hold different activities to honor victims, survivors and all those who were part of the fight for peace. The people use the same platform to promote unity and reconciliation among the Rwanda people through gatherings like workshops, memorial events, memorial tours and many more.

Because it’s a season of commemoration, especially during the first week of commemorations; to stay in the same mood and spirit. All the people in Rwanda, locals and the residents will shy away from celebratory events like weddings, entertainment parties and so forth, just to maintain the ambience of the commemoration. Even radios and Tvs will only broadcast Kwibuka related content, same to online platforms etc.

However, through the 100 days there may be one or two or three celebratory events that will be used to commemorate the season.  They are usually geared towards a cause, so it’s partying with a cause. For sports Rwanda Cricket Association holds a ladies International Cricket Council sanctioned tournament – the Kwibuka to commemorate the season.

Also, in the first week 90% of the population, if not all the people will be in black, grey, or white attires as a sign of respect for the victims, those affected and the season.

From the urban centers to the rural areas, communities will have specific projects to commemorate the season. These projects will include things like building houses for victims and survivors and constructing a community facility that will be used to that cause. Some communities will have Fundraising campaigns to raise money to sure serval genocide recovery effects and initiatives.

The state through the Rwandan President Paul Kagame will use the period to deliver messages of hope, peace, unity, encouragement to the citizens and all messages to call on Africa embrace peace and Unity and rejected external interferences that will cause disunity on the continent.

Kwibuka has been commemorated for the 31 years now and on top of remembering the events that happened, it is also a platform to promote and foster reconciliation among the different tribes and peoples in Rwanda. In fact during this season, the message sent our call on people to come together, forgive, forget and then work together to achieve a better future for Rwanda.

The different gestures like paying respects to the victims, survivors affected persons of the genocide also serve as comfort and hope those affected, especially those who were alive in 1994 or who have family members that were killed or are victims of the 1994 events.

So, that’s it about Kwibuka, if you are in Rwanda during this season, be sure to join in, in the commemorations. Get to know the locals, learn more about the Genocide and the other events related to Rwanda,

Of course, in the first week of the commemoration, you may not have a Rwanda safari, but you are able to have a safari in the 100 days. Consultant your tour operator for information.