DIAFARABE

The Crossing of the cattle 

Diafarabé is mainly known for the annual event – the crossing of the cattle.

Since the foundation of the village in 1818 it is the most important Peul Festival and it takes place on a Saturday in November or December; that day will be carefully chosen , based on the state of pastures and the water level.

During the rainy season, when the area around the village is inondated and turns it into an island, the cattle has been kept on the lush fields up north or south, but when the water level drops, the cattle can return home again.

The crossing is more than only the search for pastures; it is a competition to show your craftsmanship as a herdsman.

The cattle is driven into the river; each herder, with no help from others, is loudly encouraging his animals to move forward and he stands or swims between them, holding on to the horns. The smaller animals don’t have to swim, they are lifted into pirogues.

When all the cattle is back, they will be judged by a panel, which decides whose animals are the fattest and that herder will be awarded as “best caretaker”. And he is awarded  by the community.

But if you have the misfortune to be the worst caretaker you might end up with a shameful “price” – a peanut.

Besides a competition of craftsmanship it is also a social event; the herdsmen return after having been away for the most part of the year and they meet their family and friends again. A very good time for celebration.

The women decorate their house with woven mats and paint the floor with white and black clay; they braid their hair with very intricate patterns – they dress up for their husband.

The first day is the “Promenade des Jeunes”; the day on which the unmarried young men and women dress up in their nicest clothes to be attracted to each other. The girls will sing and dance for the boys and they might have brought a very colourful mat, only for “him” to sit on.

And there is music and dance of other groups to support the festivities. The shepherds tell stories about their adventures during the long months away from home.

If you are visiting Diafarabé for the crossing of the cattle, have a look at the two delightful mosques (a large and a small one); surrounded by baobabs and mango trees.