July 1 is Burundi's (and Rwanda's) Independence Day, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of their independence from Belgium, so it's a pretty big deal. We had the privilege of participating in the celebration and festivities in the Bururi provence. July 1 being a Sunday, the big shindig took place on Monday instead.
Word was that the parade would start to assemble by 9AM. So we got in an early morning run (which was fun given the crazy hills and 6300 ft elevation), cold shower, and breakfast, then went over to wait outside an administrative building with various important local government officials. And waited. This was definitely an African Time (tm) occasion. Folks started to assemble for the parade, trucks jammed with excited people drove up, we chatted with judges and teachers and met the governor.
Somewhere south of 11:30 the parade got underway and for some reason, being associated with the Gazelle Foundation, we got to ride with the head Bururi judge (Zack) in the procession over to the field where the action would be. We were seated several rows directly behind the governor of Bururi, who was clearly the most important official around.
I wish I had the bandwidth to upload some photos, but all we've got at the moment is a painfully slow EDGE data pipe on a few cellphones. It was quite a show! The drum squad, dancers, the police and army, and almost endless procession of folks from every local school, hospital, company, and organization. All sorts of performances and gymnastics were put on in front of the grandstands, and all manner of costumes and props waltzed by us.
Some seemed to emphasize the unity of the Burundi people (maybe of the tribes). One troop of girls chanted on and on about the evil Muzungus - I think Bosco said they were referring to the Belgians.
Then speeches. Long, long, African-style speeches. Sadly, not knowing Kurundi, we had no idea what they were talking about most of the time. Except when Jean Bosco told us to stand up, because the governor was trying to recognize us for the Gazelle Foundation's work.
Then back to the hotel for the governor's reception/lunch (at 4pm! I was so hungry). I felt like an imposter sitting in there with the governor and all these high ranking government and military officials. (Especially in my jeans and tennis shoes, since my suit was in my lost luggage - now found and waiting at the Buj airport.)
Quite a long day, but it was really cool event to see and participate in.
Oh, and while hitting the local mini-mart for some extra water with Jean Bosco, we ran into Gilbert's sister, Francine, and several of her friends from Songa - in town for the celebration. They were hilarious! We couldn't understand what they were talking about, but they were having such a good time and were so glad to see us. Francine laughs just like our coach, Gilbert, spontaneous and unrestrained.
Today it's on to Songa, and then Gitega to drop off Terry and Vasil.
Sounds Like Fun!
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