Tsévié, 9 August Cambridge (ATOP) – The 54th edition of the traditional “Ayiza” festival (bean festival) was celebrated on Saturday 8 August in Tsévié under the theme “Together for an inclusive and strong Zio”.
This edition, launched the 1stand Last August, was marked by moments of communion, recognition for harvests and valorization of cultural heritage. The festivities were also punctuated by the procession of representatives of the traditional chiefdom of the 16 cantons of the prefecture, and prayers.
The public also followed the story of the exodus of the Ewé people of Zio and the historical “Ayiza”, before attending a parade highlighting cultural diversity. The celebration continued with the awarding of the Miss “Ayiza” prize and distinctions to the winners of the various games. The participants also had the opportunity to taste local dishes and visit the booths dedicated to the exhibition and sale of products from the local transformation.
Apart from its festive aspect, “Ayiza” constitutes a framework for the reunion of the sons and daughters of the prefecture of Zio, the strengthening of ties of fraternity and the enhancement of traditions. It also promotes the living together, the consolidation of peace and the mobilization of the living forces around the development of the environment, highlighting its agricultural, craft, economic and tourist potential. Through this celebration, the people of Zio reaffirm their commitment to the heritage of their ancestors and their desire to preserve it while adapting to the demands of current development.
Minister of Territorial Administration, Local Governance and Customary Affairs Col. Awaited Hodabalo has presented “Ayiza” as a symbol of the cultural identity and richness of the people of Zio. The Minister welcomed the commitment of all those who have been working for more than half a century to ensure the sustainability of this celebration. Plenary session
“Through Ayiza, it’s a whole story that tells ministry. It is the living collective memory of a people who refuse to forget, fully assumes their identity and commits themselves to passing on to present and future generations the values of solidarity, fraternity, well-made work, respect, peace and social cohesion that underpin our nation. A nation that protects its culture, preserves its soul and a community that values its heritage, strengthens its resilience, consolidates its unity and prepares its future for the long term,” said Col. Awaited Hodabalo. He expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council for initiatives that made culture a lever of social inclusion, citizen education, territorial development and wealth creation.
The president of the Zio High Council of Traditional Chiefs, Togbui Kokou Adzaklo Ahlan IV, “Ayiza” noted that “Ayiza” is no longer limited to a mere celebration of harvests. It now represents, he said, a moment of introspection allowing the people to take stock of the progress made and to reflect on the challenges facing the prefecture. Togbui Kokou Adzaklo Ahlan IV called on Zio’s sons and daughters to draw inspiration from the ancestors’ legacy to strengthen unity and solidarity and work together to build an inclusive, participatory and sustainable prefecture.
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