Vihiga County in western Kenya is set to become the crucible of world cultural festival as preparations for the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Music and Dance Festival in October gather momentum

County Executive Committee for Member for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Services, Ruth Agesa hosted State Department of Culture for Arts and Heritage George Litswa on Wednesday to evaluate the county’s readiness to host the inaugural prestigious event.

Dr Agesa expressed optimism about Vihiga’s potential to host an international gathering due to its rich cultural diversity. The county hosts a constellation of indigenous cultures that include Maragoli, Nyore, Nandi, Luo, Isukha, Idakho, Terik and Tiriki, among others

Vihiga’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, traditional artefacts and celebrated musicians make it an ideal host of international cultural festival.

According to Wikipedia, “An intangible cultural heritage is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge or skill considered by UNESCO to be part of a place’s cultural heritage. Buildings, historic places, monuments and artefacts are cultural property. Intangible heritage consists of non-physical intellectual wealth such as folklore, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge and language. Intangible cultural heritage is considered by member states of UNESCO in relation to the tangible World Heritage focusing on intangible aspects of culture.”

The festival emphasises the significance of conserving intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festive events, social practices, indigenous environmental knowledge and traditional craftsmanship.

The festival, once approved, is expected to attract global participants and visitors, solidifying Vihiga’s position as a global hub for cultural preservation and exchange.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Ian Mugamangi