Festivals key to cultural identity and national growth – Alinyia
Alinyia explained that festivals draw people from different places and backgrounds to pursue a common purpose.
Norbert Alinyia, a teacher and youth advocate, says a person who does not know his roots is already lost, stressing that festivals remain crucial platforms for preserving identity, promoting unity, and advancing development.
According to him, festivals are set-time celebrations that bring communities together around shared traditions such as music, dance, food, rituals, and storytelling, offering opportunities to honour heritage, mark seasons or historic events, and strengthen social bonds.
Speaking on Voices of Change, a current affairs programme on Saturday, January 3, Alinyia explained that festivals draw people from different places and backgrounds to pursue a common purpose.
“Festivals are events, occasions, and moments where communities come together to remember historical events, give thanks to the gods, forge peace, unity, and development, and honour heroes who helped build their communities.” He said.
Alinyia further highlighted the importance of festivals as avenues for identifying with one’s roots, showcasing unique cultural identities to the world,d and mobilising support for development initiatives.
“We celebrate festivals to identify who we are, learn our heritage, share ideas, and mobilise resources for development to take place.” He noted.
He described festivals as vibrant learning and economic platforms that benefit the entire nation, explaining that they stimulate economic activity and strengthen social cohesion.
Alinyia said when festivals are organised, vendors, transport operators, hoteliers, and artisans experience increased economic activity, while shared celebrations help break down tribal, regional, and generational barriers.
“When people from different backgrounds dance side-by-side, it builds empathy and respect, which is the bedrock of cultural tolerance,” He stated.
He also pointed out that festivals serve as powerful tools for national branding, noting that well-curated festivals act as live advertisements for the country.
According to him, international visitors, media coverage, and social media engagement generated by festivals help attract tourists, investors, and members of the diaspora, while leaders can leverage the lively atmosphere to promote messages on health, education, and climate action.
Alinyia emphasized the need to preserve cultural traditions for future generations through the use of technology, noting that cultural knowledge can be digitally stored and accessed over time.
He stressed that tradition is not ungodly and must therefore be protected and passed on.
Alinyia appealed to the youth to take an active interest in documenting cultural practices by asking questions, creating digital records, and teaching younger generations indigenous languages.
He also called on chiefs and family heads, as custodians of culture and tradition, to make deliberate efforts to preserve cultural values to prevent modernization from eroding them.
“I am making a passionate appeal to our chiefs across Ghana as their son to preserve our culture. If we get lost in the future, we will say they did not lead us well.” He added.
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