Burundi marked the 63rd anniversary of its independence from Belgian colonial rule on 1 July 2025 – a day that commemorates the nation’s sovereignty gained on 1 July 1962. His Excellency Mr Bukuru Alexis welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps and invited guests to a celebratory event held in Pretoria.
The audience was treated to a performance of the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drum, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage practice that originates from Burundi. This captivating spectacle blends powerful drumming, vibrant dancing, lyrical poetry, and traditional song – a deeply rooted expression of Burundian history and identity.
Traditionally performed during national celebrations, local feasts, and to honour distinguished visitors, the dance is also believed to invoke the presence of ancestral spirits. It was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
by Marion Kate
