Bakatue Festival

The Bakatue Festival is a vibrant and esteemed tradition celebrated by the chiefs and people of Elmina in Ghana's Central Region. Tracing its origins back to at least 1847, this annual festival commences on the first Tuesday of July, heralding the start of the fishing season. The name "Bakatue" is derived from the Fante language, meaning "draining of a lagoon."

The festival pays homage to Elmina's founding by the Portuguese during the early period of colonization and serves as an occasion to offer prayers and gratitude to the gods for a prosperous fishing year. The celebrations span two days, beginning on Monday with customary rituals and reaching their zenith on Tuesday with the main events.

Tuesday holds special significance in traditional beliefs, being considered the sea god's day. On this day, fishermen refrain from going to sea to show their respect. The festival's highlights include the Paramount Chief, sub-chiefs, and the community offering ceremonial food to the river god, Nana Brenya, while praying for peace and prosperity.

The day is brimming with vibrant activities: a royal procession, speeches from chiefs and distinguished guests, and symbolic acts such as casting nets into the lagoon. The celebration culminates in traditional music, dancing, and revelry. The fish caught during the ceremonial activity are offered as a tribute to the gods, adding a spiritual dimension to the festive occasion.