NAMIBIA: Marula Fruit Festival Listed As UN Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Namibia’s Oshituthi shomagongo or marula fruit festival has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This was announced during the 10th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The committee falls under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The list also includes nominations from Egypt, Portugal, and Afghanistan, among many others.

It represents forms of expression that testify to the diversity of world’s intangible heritage and raises awareness of its importance.

The marula fruit festival runs for two to three days between March and April, when eight Aawambo communities from northern Namibia meet to enjoy omagongo – a beverage made from marula fruit.

To prepare it, men carve utensils and serving tools, and women make baskets and pots.

The ripe fruit is gathered with the help of young people and the extracted juice ferments in clay pots for two to seven days.

During the process, these communities discuss issues that affect them, including family problems.

They also sing traditional songs, recite poems and share knowledge about basketry and pottery.

Processing the marula fruit brings old and young people together to share knowledge and skills, which are transmitted informally through observation, active participation and emulation.

Once the fermentation process is complete, community members and guests are served omagongo and traditional cuisine.

The festival is a relaxed social gathering, during which communities and guests socialise, sing and dance and the men recite storied histories.

UNESCO Secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Cecile Duvelle, said intangible cultural heritage needs to be urgently safeguarded.

According to her, most of the intangible cultural heritage around the world remains endangered.