The cultural space of Yaaral and Degal is an annual Fulani festival in the northern Nigger Delta of Mali. It is highlighted by the annual cattle drive of large herds of cattle, as they cross the river to pastures. The festival dates back for decades because of the Fulbe practice of transhumance with their livestock. The festival is attributed to the Fulani leader Séku Amadou, who ruled the region between 1819 and 1845.
During December, the shepherds of the northern savannah belt drive their livestock from the northern semi-arid pastures of the Sahara to the town of Diafarabé, 350 kilometers north of the Mali capital Bamako. Diafarabé is in the Malian Sahel and is at the southern end of the Niger River, which can be crossed only by swimming. The shepherds swim alongside their cattle and hit the water with prepared sticks to help them cross the river. The cattle drive is strictly governed according to tribal rules. On the other side of the river, the families gather for a few days and celebrate what is significant to them, before the cattle – that have been nourished by the rainy season – are brought to the newly fertile pastures (bourgou) south of the Niger on Saturday, which is considered an auspicious day in popular Peul belief. The exact date of the celebrations is determined by the pasture and the river level. The various celebrations of the herding festival result in various cultural expressions. Competitions for the most beautifully decorated herd take place, and herdsmen recite pastoral poems about their adventures while trekking for months. Young women adorn themselves with lavish clothing and jewelry, singing their praises. This occasion is also used to ensure livestock receives the correct vaccinations. Public entities examine the condition of animals and estimate the costs associated with them.
They've made a significant contribution to their way of life. Management of the pasturelands, marking out transhumance routes, and gathering herds at certain points have improved the organization of the event, which resulted in larger crowds. These have transformed these pastoral festivals into major events. Since they bring together members of all ethnic groups and occupations in the Delta – such as Peul cattle-breeders, Marka or Nono rice-growers, Bambara millet-growers, and Bozo fishermen – they reinforce inter-community pacts and social cohesion between the communities. The strong attachment of the community to these festivities ensures their continuity. Their numbers may be compromised, however, by the exodus of young people from the countryside and recurrent droughts affecting pastureland and herds.
References