The Nhuon is a celebration of the harvest, of good times that is held every two years by the Bamoun people (also spelled Bamun, Bamoum, Bamum) of the Noun region of Cameroon. During the harvest of millet, maize, and other cereals, the Nguon locust was widely present in the fields. As a result, this centuries-old festival has always been held during the harvest season, usually in the last week of July or early August.
Nguon festival dates back over 600 years. It is a true representation of Bamoun culture and tradition. It lasts seven days and includes many activities such as traditional dances, ritual ceremonies, conferences, and delicious foods showcasing the richness of Bamoun culture. As part of their Nguon celebration, the Bamoun people express their ideas and grievances. The celebrations culminate when the king is deposed, judged based on his governance and accomplishments for the past two years, and eventually reinstated. In this way, Nguon is a time when discrimination and hereditary privilege classes cease to exist and the king can connect with his people.
In 1394, Nchare Yen founded the Bamoun kingdom. In his early days as king, Nchare Yen made friends with Mfo Mokup, a person responsible for forming a secret society and distributing food readily throughout the kingdom, called Nguon. As a result, King Nchare Yen adopted a governing system that involved Nguon owners not only ensuring good food supply throughout the kingdom but also gathering grievances from the people and detecting abuses committed in his name. This meant they should keep the king updated on any problems and stay in touch with his constituents.
In 1924, after Sultan Njoya was deposed, the French banned the Nguon as it gave too much power to the local King during colonial times. As soon as Cameroon gained independence in 1960, Sultan Njimoluh Njoya fully restored it. A biennial celebration was created by Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya in 1996, and it is now a worldwide event attracting tourists.
In the words of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, Nguon is the "cultural identity of Bamoum." It celebrates the warmth and pride of the people in sharing their cultural heritage. A wonderful sight to see people dressed in full attire, celebrating their culture this way: warriors showing off their skills, reenacting centuries-old traditions, telling centuries-old tales, great music and dancers, delicious food, women dressed like true African queens, and euphoric atmosphere.
References
(https://afrolegends.com/2014/12/03/the-nguon-festival-a-bamun-tradition-dating-back-centuries/)
|Subject=dance, Food, Music, Ritual |Country=Cameroon |SDG=(08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}