Culture and history

The history of Rwanda stretches from a centralized kingdom with the institution of mwami to the period of German-Belgian colonization, independence in 1962 and the tragedy of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

Memory and restoration have become the foundation of modern identity, with annual "Kwibuka" events, community courts and dialogues, and the practice of mandatory "Umuganda" sabbaticals reinforcing the idea of unity and mutual aid.

The cultural code is based on the Kinyarwanda language (along with English, French and Swahili), oral poetry and music: from the inang string instrument to the energetic dance "Intore."

Crafts are recognizable by the geometric art of "Imigongo" and "agaseke" - wicker "baskets of the world."

In everyday life, dairy traditions (kissed milk), bananas and cassava are important; in clothes - outfit "umushanana."

The modern cultural scene relies on festivals and rituals that connect nature and heritage: the Kvita Izina ceremony (the name of the gorillas), art festivals and the Hillywood film movement.

This is how the image of a country is formed, where the memory of the past is combined with urbanization, digitalization and the growth of creative industries.