Thousands of people across Dagbon and other parts of Ghana have marked this year’s Bugum, or Fire Festival, with vibrant displays of culture, tradition and community spirit.

The annual celebration took place on the night of Thursday, 25 June, drawing large crowds as participants carried flaming torches through towns and villages in a symbolic reenactment of the festival’s origins.

The Bugum Festival is one of the most significant cultural events among the Dagomba people, marking the beginning of a new traditional year. It is also observed by Dagomba communities living in other parts of Ghana and abroad.

Chiefs and elders say the festival holds deep spiritual importance, serving as a time to honour ancestors through prayers and libation, while seeking blessings, protection and guidance for the year ahead.

According to oral tradition, the festival dates back to an incident in which a chief’s child went missing in the bush. Community members, using burning torches made from dry grass, searched for the child and eventually found them safe under a tree. In celebration, they threw their torches at the tree before returning home, an act that evolved into the present-day festival.

In many communities, the event continues to attract visitors from across the country and beyond, contributing to its growing prominence on Ghana’s cultural calendar.

Participants and community leaders say the festival not only preserves tradition but also promotes unity, peace and social cohesion among the people.

This year’s celebrations were marked by music, cultural performances and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the customs and heritage of Dagbon for future generations.

By Mariam Alhassan