The Festival Populaire et International des Musiquées Traditionnelles was created in 1996 to satisfy the need for a major event dedicated to traditional Congolese music.
It is known locally as Feux de Brazza (“Lights of Brazza”) due to its opening ceremony, in which a major personality - usually the Minister of Culture - lights up bonfires (the “lights”) that symbolise the ancestral traditions.
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Over a whole week (usually in August), Brazzaville is home to a programme of traditional Congolese music and dance, with performances by artists from all over the country. This is a great opportunity to get to know the richness, diversity and energy of Congolese culture!