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Cultural festival to roar into life

 

Mohalenyane Phakela

LESOTHO Culture and Traditional Sports Association (LCTSA) will next Sunday host the third edition of its annual traditional food and trade fair in Ha-Abia.

LCTSA was formed in 2010, and since 2014 the cultural body has staged the event to celebrate Sotho culture as well as publicise traditional dances, sports and food. Tšipo, Ho Kalla, Selialia, Liketo are some of the sports that will be showcased at the festivities as well as foods such as Nyekoe, Mocha Hlama and Lihalikoane.

LCTSA president Thabang Maoela this week told Xpress People that the cultural body aimed to promote local and traditions which were no longer being followed by some Basotho.

“A person should start by appreciating and recognising his roots in order to understand where he is headed. That is why we formed Lesotho Culture and Traditional Sports Association and since 2010 we have been promoting our culture,” Maoela said.

“Our traditions are important in reminding us remember where we come from and how our forefathers used to live. Culture and heritage also promote tourism and considering the rich national heritage, this will create many jobs,” he added.

Maoela said they would stage an even bigger cultural festival in November to belatedly celebrate Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s birthday.

“We have been staging the ‘Mabasotho Royal Sports and Cultural Day, Food Fun and Trade Fair every November since 2014 to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. Her Majesty’s birth is actually in June but she asked us to postpone the celebrations to the warm season so that Basotho women would be able to wear traditional regalia comfortably,” Maoela said.

He said this year’s event carried greater significance in that ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso would be turning 40 years old while the nation marks the 50th anniversary of independence.

He said that different groups from nine districts would stage cultural games and dances while also exhibiting traditional food at the trade fair.

“There will be a soccer tournament in honour of local legend Lehlohonolo Seema who is an icon when it comes to football in the country. He was also born in June,” said Maoela, adding that they expected other people born in the same month as the queen to join the celebrations.

He added that they would also host a beauty contest that would strictly focus on the tradition and culture of the Mosotho child.

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