Mbao Fëss Festival: 12 days of activities to celebrate culture and resilience in Mbao

The town of Mbao is pulsating to the rhythm of the 6th edition of the "Mbao Fëss" festival, held from August 5th to 16th, 2026. Originally initiated by the rapper Leuz Diwane G and driven by local youth, this annual international cultural event aims to promote Lebou culture and African integration. Beyond its artistic aspects, the festival is directly involved in environmental protection, drug prevention, and raising awareness about illegal immigration.

Under the theme "MBAO, CITY OF RESILIENCE / MBAO FËSS, AMUL BÀYYI," this edition aims to highlight local potential while raising awareness of the environmental challenges facing the region. The initiative brings together development stakeholders, traditional authorities, and political leaders around a shared ideal of civic and educational engagement during the holiday period.

A historical foundation focused on social impact

Since its launch in August 2019 with a first edition made possible solely through the mobilization of local populations, the festival has gradually structured itself around community actions.

In 2021, the format was reinvented amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on the creation of eco-friendly benches made from plastic materials with the NGO CISV and raising awareness about irregular migration alongside the IOM. The 2023 edition aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the "Circular Neighborhood" project, bringing together NGOs and partners around health, social, and environmental initiatives. More recently, in 2024, 54 lifeguards were trained by the Fire and Rescue Service, and 400 young people benefited from capacity building in various fields ranging from cultural entrepreneurship to computer music and agroecology.

Finally, the 2025 edition was distinguished by the organization of a day of free medical consultations with the PNA, accompanied by recycling workshops.

Twelve days of multidisciplinary activities

For the 2026 edition, the overall objective remains to promote public access to high-impact cultural and environmental initiatives. The program includes training sessions, workshops raising awareness of urban cultures (rap, graffiti, slam poetry, breakdancing), and a platform for young local artists performing alongside established figures from the national scene.

The event's agenda is structured around several key moments. Last weekend, a Quran recital was held at the opening. This was followed by a free consultation day with medication donations. Afterwards, a public fitness session followed by a cypher marked Saturday afternoon. From August 10th to 14th, training workshops will continue alongside public space development work, beach cleanups, panel discussions, and a panel discussion called "COP 1" at the site for those impacted by coastal erosion and direct victims of climate change.

The event will conclude at the weekend with a grand concert, a hike, a Scrabble tournament, traditional regattas, dragon boat racing and swimming events.