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Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, on Saturday 23 May 2026 joined thousands of women in Kenema City to celebrate the annual Bondo and Sande Cultural Procession, describing the event as a powerful display of Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage and unity.
The colorful procession drew large crowds of enthusiastic women who took to the streets of Kenema in celebration of the country’s longstanding cultural traditions. The event featured vibrant displays of traditional Sowei masks, which symbolized the strength, dignity, resilience, and identity of women within the Bondo and Sande societies.
Speaking after the event, the First Lady said the gathering served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting Sierra Leone’s cultural values and traditions for future generations.
She emphasized that the annual procession was not only a celebration of heritage but also a reflection of the vital role women continue to play in safeguarding the country’s cultural identity and strengthening community bonds across generations.
Fatima Bio noted that the unity displayed throughout the celebration demonstrated the enduring spirit of the people of Kenema and the continued relevance of traditional customs in fostering solidarity and social cohesion.
“As Sierra Leoneans, we must continue to celebrate, preserve, protect, and proudly pass down our treasured cultural heritage to the next generation,” she stated, adding that culture remains a source of pride, identity, and collective responsibility.
The First Lady further expressed appreciation for the overwhelming participation of women during the event, noting that the celebration highlighted the beauty and significance of Sierra Leone’s cultural diversity and traditions.
The annual Bondo and Sande Cultural Procession remains one of the most significant traditional celebrations in eastern Sierra Leone, attracting participants and spectators from across the region while promoting cultural awareness and unity.
