ActionAid Nat’l Cultural Festival Concludes In Grand Style

The ELWA Junction, early Saturday morning (July 1) came alive with excitement as scores of Liberians gathered in their numbers, all in colorful traditional attire to celebrate Liberia’s rich, and diverse cultural heritage, and the positive traditions that unites its citizens.

The 2026 National Cultural Festival, organized by ActionAid, and its local and international partners, was held under the theme: “Our Culture, Our Pride: Empowering Women and Girls,” concluded in grand style at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex (SKD) in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia.

The atmosphere got even more exciting as the parade filled with music, dancing, laughter, and a shared sense of national pride, made its way to the SKD stadium.

It was not just a parade, but a historic moment that brought Liberia’s cultures together in one remarkable celebration.

At the event, ActionAid Country Director, Madam Elizabeth G. Johnson, said, the journey towards ending harmful traditional practices has not been easy.

Madam Johnson reflected on the early years of advocacy, described it as particularly challenging, when resistance, and limited awareness made progress difficult.

“Yet, today these efforts stand as a testament to persistence, partnership and purpose. Change is happening, because voices were raised, and action was sustained.”

At ActionAid Liberia, she said, they believe that culture is a powerful force for preserving identity, promote inclusion, and advance the rights, and dignity of women and girls.

She said, this year’s theme reflects the institutions commitment to celebrate the best of Liberia’s cultural diversity, while championing communities that embrace equality, justice and sustainable change.

“Today, you will experience vibrant cultural performances, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling, music, food, and inspiring stories of women, who have transitioned to sustainable livelihoods, and are now leading positive change in their communities.”

Madam Johnson then commended SIDA for consistently demonstrating commitment, and compassion in supporting efforts to end harmful traditional practices, as their dedication continued to inspire meaningful change.

“For more than nine years, the Embassy of Sweden has stood alongside ActionAid Liberia in advancing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of women, and girls.”

She said, the remarkable journey of the ‘Just and Equal Communities Project,’ and the life-changing impact, would not have been possible without Sweden’s generous, and unwavering support.

“As we celebrate the successful hosting of the third National Cultural Festival, ActionAid Liberia, together with its partners DOMAFEIGN, LIWEN, SAIL, NAPTAH and WOCDAL, extends their deepest gratitude to the Embassy of Sweden for believing in the people of Liberia, and investing in their shared vision of equality, justice and sustainable development.”

Madam Johnson said, their partnership has empowered communities, transformed lives, and supported Liberia’s national development priorities, as they have consistently proven to be one of the most trusted, and committed development partners. 

Curtis Dorley, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning, urged Liberians to take pride in their cultural heritage by preserving the country’s traditions, and indigenous languages.

Dorley meanwhile, encouraged citizens, especially young people, to learn how to speak, read and write Liberia’s indigenous languages.

He described it as a vital part of the nations’ identity and history.

Mr. Dorley also called on religious institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and communities to work together to ensure that Liberia cultural heritage is preserved for the future generations.

Macpherson C. Marbiah writes.