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Facts about Kwita Izina, The Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Facts about Kwita Izina, The Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony

In Rwanda’s gorilla tourism, there is an interesting and exciting event that is held once every year. This event is called the Kwita Izina ceremony translated as the “Naming” ceremony. In the ancient Rwandan tradition, when a baby was born, a ceremony is conducted as a cultural practice to name and welcome the new born into the family. It is from this tradition that the inspiration for the gorilla naming ceremony was derived. When a baby gorilla is born, it calls for celebration because that means an increase in the number of these interesting Giant Apes. The birth of twins is exceptional and more adorable.

This unique event was launched in 2005 as a way of monitoring the new born baby gorillas, raising awareness on the importance conserving the mountain gorillas and to celebrate success in the conservation and protection of these remarkable primates. This ceremony is a way of showing people of Rwanda and the world at large that their efforts in conserving the mountain gorillas is not in vain since the numbers of the mountain gorillas is increasing.

This remarkable ceremony takes place on the 2nd September every year. The 2nd of September 2017 will mark the 13th annual gorilla naming ceremony. It’s expected to take place at Kinigi on the foothills of Volcanoes Mountain (usual venue for the ceremony) and is expected to attract thousands of attendees who include both Rwandans and international guests. There is usually a gigantic structure of a silverback at the center of the podium to depict mountain gorillas that are the focus of the celebration.

To spice up the ceremony, several activities are integrated to entertain guests and these include cultural performances, performances from local musicians and showcasing of art and crafts.

The Rwandan Development Board (RDB) is always in charge of the Kwita Izina Ceremony and painstakingly chooses the lucky individuals who participate in naming the baby gorillas. The basis of choosing these individuals is their success, effort in the conservation of the mountain gorillas and positive impact to the local communities. These individuals are normally top achieving students, celebrities (for example musicians), successful business women and men, veteran conservationists and international journalists (especially those involved in documentaries). The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame also attended the stunning 12th annual Kwita Izina ceremony.

As of 2016, 22 individuals were named during the Kwita Izina ceremony hence bringing the total number of named gorillas to 283 after its inception in 2005. The names given are in Rwandan language to symbolize words of Unity, bravery, courage, beauty and geniality. Also the names are given based on the circumstances surrounding the birth of the gorilla or the time the gorilla was born. For example Inshunga (replacement) was named because the mother had taken a long time without having an infant, Referendum was named because the infant was born on Referendum day and Mashami was given the name because he was born on Palm Sunday.

Those that were named during the astonishing 12th gorilla naming ceremony include Hobe meaning hugging was named by Mr. Mark Rose, Icyemezo meaning decision was named by Mr. Frank Matsaert, Ukwiyunga meaning reconciliation/unity was named by Urban Boys, Umuhate meaning bravery was named by Dr. Timothy Tear, Inshunga meaning replacement named by Sir. David Attenborough, Igikombe meaning award was named by Mr. Leonard Harerimana, Ireme meaning of high quality named by Mr. Jaques Rusirare, Ifatizo meaning the foundation was named by Amb. Michael Ryan, Referendum because was born on Referendum day was named by Mr. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Ishimwe meaning Gratitude named by Mr. Jean Marie Muyango, Ingemwe meaning seeds was named by Mr. Peter Fearnhead, Kwigira meaning self reliance, Kura meaning to grow was named by Ms. Sheja Audrey Divine, Mafubo meaning someone who has an excellent character, Mashami because the baby was born on Palm Sunday was named by Mr. Elisha Ntirakirwa, Ntamupaka meaning no borders was named by Mary Ann McDonald, Ntibisanzwe meaning remarkable, Nyampinga meaning the most beautiful girl was named by Mr. Keith Vincent, Ndizihiwe meaning am happy was named by Dr. Paul Scholte, Ndi Umunyarwanda meaning am Rwandan was named by Mr. Cyizere Rukundo Fidence, and Tunganirwa meaning to prosper.

In conclusion, the Kwita Izina ceremony (gorilla naming ceremony) is a hilarious event conducted to celebrate the efforts of Individual conservationists, Rwanda Development Board and the Dian Fossey foundation towards the conservation of mountain gorillas and is a way of marketing Rwanda’s gorilla tourism. This event is a way of showing the people of Rwanda and the international community that their effort and sacrifice towards conservation is not in vain because the number of these Giant Apes is growing/increasing. With the interesting activities that take place during this memorable ceremony, it is not worth missing. Come and attend the Kwita Izina Ceremony and have a memorable experience.

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