Pouni: The Friends of the Mask Association (AMA) is preparing for the 18th iteration of its renowned festival, set to take place from May 8 to 11, 2026, in Pouni. The festival, dedicated to peace and nature conservation, will feature around 400 masks, celebrating the region's intangible heritage through vibrant masked processions over four days.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the AMA organizing committee has themed this year's festival "Mask: Peace, resilience and environmental preservation." The president of AMA, Mr. Herv Gu, emphasized that masks transcend their aesthetic appeal, serving as conduits for social and ecological values. "Masks are passed down from generation to generation through initiation. They play a leading role in raising awareness within communities and are symbols of fertility," he stated.

The 2026 edition promises a rich agenda that blends traditional rituals with civic engagement. Attendees can expect mask dances, parades, thematic conferences on culture and environment, a blood donation drive, football matches, and visits to promotional stands. Amid national security challenges, Mr. Herv Gu assured festival-goers that a joint security team comprising the gendarmerie, national police, and Dozos will ensure the event's safety.

Logistically, the festival site is accessible via bus or tricycle, with hostel accommodations available for distant visitors. Herv Gu expressed satisfaction with preparations and is advocating for future infrastructure modernization, including building a security fence, drilling wells for water access, and landscaping.

The festival receives institutional support from the Ministry of Culture, with organizers encouraging public support through the purchase of official merchandise to sustain this celebration of Burkinab¨ resilience.