South Sudan Fifth Vice President On Gender And Youth Cluster Attends 4th Edition Of Piny Luo Cultural festival In Siaya

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan 

The Piny Luo Cultural Festival, which serves as a significant platform for dialogue, cultural exchange, African politics, and celebrating unity in diversity, was officially opened on 31 December 2024 by Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga at the Migwena Cultural Grounds.

His excellency Raila Odinga, attended the event wearing a white South Sudan Basketball t-shirt in celebration of “The Giants of Africa,” which symbolized the festival’s theme of unity and pride.

Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Fifth Vice President, Rebecca Nyadeng de Mabior, was among the participants of the 4th Edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya, Kenya.

The event, held under the theme “Spirit of the Luo Nation—Luo Unity in Diversity and in the Luo Diaspora,” played a vital role in uniting the Luo community in various countries.

It brought together members from South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond, celebrating their shared heritage, cultural pride, and unity.

The festival showcased the rich cultural traditions of the Luo people and their neighbors and covered a range of African political news and heritage.

The Acholi from Uganda captivated the audience with melodic dances like the Lakarakara and Obwele.

The Dinka, Shilluk, and Anyuak communities amused the crowd with their graceful wrestling and traditional songs, while the various Luo groups from East Africa added to the festivities.

Vice President Rebecca Nyadeng de Mabior participated in various vibrant activities during the event, including water sports, wrestling, and the Tero Buru ceremony.

Later, alongside Governors James Orengo of Siaya County and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay County, she participated in a tree-planting session and cultural exhibitions that represented growth and solidarity among the diverse communities present.

Chol Majok Deng, from the office of the 5th Vice President, emphasized the festival’s importance in connecting the Luo people.

He explained that it is a networking event and a chance to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

“We are all from a similar lineage, and the similarities in the local dialect and cultural activities make it easy to interact with one another,” he shared with African Culture TV.

Majok also expressed the hope that such festivals could become annual events.

A spectator who craved anonymity shared how watching the Dinka wrestling sparked interest, stating, “I think I can do so now!”

He highlighted how the festival offered a unique cross-cultural learning and appreciation opportunity for African culture TV.

The event was officially concluded by H.E. President William Ruto and H.E. Yoweri Museveni on January 2, 2025.