Cameroon is an interesting country with a mix of the traditional and modern. For example, there are pharmacies in the city to buy medicine, while one can also buy traditional medicine made from plants found in the forest. There is also the mix of strong Cameroonian traditions while also embracing parts of their colonial past and French culture and cuisine. I will be talking about one of the oldest traditions in Cameroon. Last time I visited Alait, there was a Baka festival. The Baka are people who live in the forest and worship nature.
The Baka were having a week-long festival that combined worshiping nature and children becoming adults. During the day, children stay in structures that are specifically made for the festival. And during the night, they dance until they fall asleep. For the adults, some join in and dance, while others put on costumes and become forest spirits. With older traditions like this one, a photographer is not allowed and I cannot share any photos.
It is a way to welcome the next generation into being a part of the adult community. Unlike in American culture, the Baka are a very close community. In their community, everyone helps each other, there is no selfishness or strong independence. If someone makes a lot of money, it is shared with everyone.
