South West Cultural Festival: Strong Calls For Unity, Cultural Pride

The 2nd edition of the South West Cultural Festival opened on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the esplanade of the Independence Square in Buea. The colourful ceremony marked the beginning of a weekend of festivities, which held under the esteemed patronage of the President of the Republic H.E Paul Biya. Placed under the theme : “Showcasing Cultural Identity and Consolidating Peace and Entrepreneurial Consciousness,” the festival ran from February 27 to March 1, 2026, converging sons and daughters from the six divisions that make up the South West Region; Ndian, Lebialem, Kupe-Muanenguba, Fako, Manyu and Meme divisions. Pierre Ismaël Bidoung Mkpatt, Minister of Arts and Culture, underscored the central role of culture in nation-building and social cohesion. Quoting the Head of State, he stated that: “In a world that has become a global village, we must make our country a global space for cultural life, given our impressive wealth in this area.” Reaffirming government’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives nationwide, the Minister stressed that festivals of this nature, “promot...