By Lamin Njie
According to the report from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, over ten thousand people thronged Janjanbureh from January 23rd to 25th, 2026, to celebrate the 9th edition of the Janjanbureh Kankurang Festival, a vibrant homecoming cultural event held on the historic island. The three-day festival officially came to an end over the weekend.
The Kankurang is not merely a masquerade to be observed; it is a living legacy that defines Gambian identity, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes guidance, moral strength, guardianship, and the endurance of ancestral values. Passed down through generations, the Kankurang embodies identity, accountability, and social cohesion within communities.
This year’s edition attracted a diverse audience, including residents of Janjanbureh, domestic and international tourists, as well as Gambians living in the diaspora. Many participants described the festival as a powerful platform for reuniting families, friends, and the wider community.
The event was graced by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its satellite institutions, including the Institute of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (ITC-Gambia), alongside key stakeholders in the tourism, arts, and culture sectors, as well as members of the Janjanbureh community.
