Durbar festival inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

By Tosin Brown

The Nigerian Durbar festival has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The inscription was a welcoming news that had Nigerian cultural representatives commending the UNESCO’s executives while urging other member countries to visit Nigeria to experience the Durbar festival.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage is the global wealth of cultural traditions and practices, which UNESCO is dedicated to safeguarding for future generations. The Intangible cultural heritage includes the practices, knowledge, and expressions that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity, along with associated objects and spaces.

Transmitted through generations, this heritage adapts over time, reinforcing identity and respect for cultural diversity.

The 2003 UNESCO Convention emphasizes the need to safeguard these cultural expressions for future generations.

The Durbar Festival has been a traditional festive event and cultural expression in Northern Nigeria for more than 500 years. Introduced by Sarki Muhammadu Rumfa of Kano in the late 15th century as a way of demonstrating military power and skills before going to war, it is now a ceremonial festival associated with the Eids, welcoming of visiting dignitaries and the installation of new Emirs.

The Durbar entertains, instructs, excites and dignifies political power structure. It is essentially a dexterous display of horsemanship and brilliant exhibition of a people’s cultural heritage and traditions.

The Festival has also developed into a prominent cultural industry – whereby the breeding of horses, manufacturing of saddles, ceremonial garments and musical instruments not only generate employment, but also help to develop skills in horse riding, music and oratory aptitudes in a unique market which contributes directly to the economy. It is well known as a leading festival that attracts cultural tourism in the north of Nigeria.