Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has joined President Julius Maada Bio at the official launch of the Bo Cultural Festival 2025, held at the Bo Mini Stadium.
The event marked the start of a festival celebrating Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, drumming and dancing, sports, agricultural products and local cuisine. Organisers said the festival aims to bring people together to promote peace, unity and national cohesion.
Speaking through a message shared after the event, the First Lady described the festival as a reflection of Sierra Leone’s cultural diversity and collective identity, noting its role in strengthening unity among citizens.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the public display of paramount chiefs in their official traditional Durbar regalia, a historic moment that had not been witnessed since 1961. The Durbar tradition was first showcased during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II at Durbar Ground, later held at the Bo Coronation Field, and has now been revived under President Bio’s leadership.
Cultural leaders and attendees described the display as a powerful symbol of heritage, continuity and respect for traditional authority.
The First Lady extended appreciation to the organisers of the Bo Cultural Festival, praising their efforts in using culture as a tool for peace-building and national unity.
The Bo Cultural Festival 2025 is expected to run with a series of activities showcasing Sierra Leone’s traditions while encouraging tourism, cultural pride and community engagement across the country.
