{"id":55440,"date":"2025-09-01T11:12:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T11:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/rwanda-s-beauty-to-be-showcased-at-bruges-afrika-week-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-09-01T11:49:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T11:49:46","slug":"rwanda-s-beauty-to-be-showcased-at-bruges-afrika-week-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/rwanda-s-beauty-to-be-showcased-at-bruges-afrika-week-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan culture celebrated at Afrika Week 2025 in Bruges"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The opening night was marked by loud applause for Ballet IREBERO, a Rwandan dance troupe whose performance offered a powerful prelude to a rich programme of artistic expression from across Africa.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at the inauguration, Yvette Umutangana, representative of the Rwandan community and member of Afrika Unity, expressed gratitude to partners and the city\u2019s authorities, while setting out the ambitions of the week-long celebration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor a full week we will celebrate Africa\u2019s richness: music, dance, art, culinary workshops and much more,\u201d Umutangana said.<\/p>\n<p>She reminded the audience that \u201cAfrican culture\u201d is not a single entity but a vast tapestry of social practices, beliefs, languages, traditions and culinary specialties across the continent and its diaspora.<\/p>\n<p>Umutangana also highlighted the indispensable role of the City of Bruges in making the festival possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWithout the City\u2019s help, this would not have been possible,\u201d she noted, extending special thanks to Mayor Dirk de Fauw, Nico Blontrock (Alderman for Culture), and other committed partners.<\/p>\n<p>Umutangana also praised the cooperation with Limited Afrika Unity, partner organisations, and especially the volunteers whose dedication she described as \u201cindispensable\u201d for the event\u2019s success.<\/p>\n<p>Afrika Unity, the driving force behind the festival, has set clear goals: strengthening social ties, promoting intercultural cooperation, and reaching the widest possible audience in Bruges.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet us enjoy together: taste, dance and celebrate. In doing so, we build bridges between Africa and Belgium,\u201d Umutangana concluded, inviting the public to attend the upcoming events.<\/p>\n<p>From 1 to 7 September, visitors can explore the Rwanda stand, which highlights the country\u2019s beauty through artworks and exhibitions.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond Rwanda, Afrika Week offers a colourful programme of concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, culinary workshops, and conferences\u2014an opportunity to experience the plurality of African cultures while reinforcing social cohesion in the heart of Bruges, Belgium.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93615\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/umu-7.jpg\" alt=\"Yvette Umutangana expressed gratitude to partners and the city\u2019s authorities, while setting out the ambitions of the week-long celebration.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93616\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/yvet_na.jpg\" alt=\"Yvette Umutangana and the Mayor of Brudges in a group photo with Rwandan dance troupe, Ballet IREBERO. \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93594\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/25-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93595\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/26-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93596\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/27-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93597\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/28-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93607\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/39-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93608\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/41-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93609\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/43-10.jpg\" alt=\"Representatives from different countries graced the event. \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93610\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/a-62.jpg\" alt=\"Adrien Chuma Chihire Katungutere, who launched this annual event in Bruges, highlighted that it is taking place for the third time.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93611\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/b-54.jpg\" alt=\"IGIHE journalist with artists that attended the official opening of Afrika Week 2025 in Bruges\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93598\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/29-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93599\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/30-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93600\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/32-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93601\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/33-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93612\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/c-54.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93602\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/34-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93603\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/35-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93604\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/36-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93605\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/37-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93606\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/38-4.jpg\" alt=\"The Mayor of Brudges joined Rwandan tranditional performances.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93570\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/2-279.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93571\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/1-308.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93572\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/4-206.jpg\" alt=\"The Mayor of Bruges delivering remarks at the event\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93573\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/3-226.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93574\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/5-151.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93575\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/6-131.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93576\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/7-106.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93577\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/8-90.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93578\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/9-76.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93579\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/10-71.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93580\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/11-92.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93581\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/12-65.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93582\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/13-50.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93583\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/14-45.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93584\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/15-33.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93585\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/16-31.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93586\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/17-24.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93587\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/18-25.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93588\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/19-23.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93589\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/20-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93590\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/21-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93591\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/22-51.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93592\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/23-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93593\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/24-14.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93613\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/d-52.jpg\" alt=\"It was a fun-filled moment as Rwandan traditional dance troop performed at the opening ceremony. \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-93614\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/f-36.jpg\" alt=\"Rwanda\u2019s attire at Afrika Week\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>karirima@igihe.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bruges officially opened its vibrant Afrika Week 2025 on 30 August, a festival running until 7 September and dedicated to showcasing Africa\u2019s cultural diversity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":2000093617,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[75],"byline":[269],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-55440","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-homenews","byline-karirima-aimable-ngarambe"],"bylines":[{"id":269,"name":"Karirima Aimable Ngarambe","slug":"karirima-aimable-ngarambe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"contributors":[{"id":269,"name":"Karirima Aimable Ngarambe","slug":"karirima-aimable-ngarambe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":null}],"featured_image":{"id":2000093617,"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","width":0,"height":0,"sizes":{"thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"medium_large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"large":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"full":{"url":"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/IMG\/logo\/as-14.jpg","width":0,"height":0}}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55440"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55440\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2000093617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55440"},{"taxonomy":"byline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/byline?post=55440"},{"taxonomy":"hashtag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hashtag?post=55440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}