Rwanda Celebrates Umuganura On Friday
Rwanda will on Friday celebrate Umuganura (National Harvest Day), a centuries old tradition that embodies the country’s cultural heritage.
The celebrations are organised by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC), in collaboration with various partners, has organised Umuganura celebration, commonly known as the National Harvest Day.
The day’s main celebrations will be held in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Umuganura, a foundation of unity and self-reliance.”
Known worldwide as National Harvest Day; in Rwanda’s history, Umuganura was one of the most important ceremonies celebrated by Rwandans at the beginning of every harvest season. The festivities were an occasion to celebrate the country’s achievements in terms of harvest both at the kingdom and family levels.
Umuganura is the first-fruit festival and one of Rwanda’s ancient royal rituals. The festival served as a harvest thanksgiving ceremony to thank God, the King or Queen Mother as God’s minister and the ancestors as guardians and protectors. Umuganura is attributed to Gihanga, meaning that it has existed since the country’s early birth, and is among the key rituals in Rwandan culture.