Another busy day for the southern region’s most important festival. True to its convictions, The Belinga Foundation has pulled out all the stops to put the spotlight on local culture and talent, and offer the traditions of peoples from near and far a platform for expression worthy of the name.

The day begins with a bang at the trade show, where the best exhibitors receive awards. Teams from The Belinga Foundation, organizers of the Bia so Mengong festival, will be rewarding the most assiduous exhibitors, those with the best products and those who have grasped the concept of the multiplier effect so dear to the Foundation. Among these exhibitors, 15-year-old Daniella Mbarga, who has a stand selling traditional fishing tackle, attracts everyone’s attention and is crowned best exhibitor over the first five days of the festival.

The rest of the day is spent preparing for the second “Evening in the village”. It is hosted by the Essamelongo clans of the Mengong county. The Essamelongo clans occupy four villages : Koungoulou, Essokbenga’a, Nnemeyong II and Ondondo. From 6 p.m. onwards, in the festival square, illuminated by a large log fire, the Essamelongo clans, led by His Majesty Medjo Abel, entertain the many spectators who have flocked to the festival village. Traditional dances, storytelling, riddles and culinary exhibitions follow one another to the delight of all.

Once the Essamelongo patriarchs and elders have finished their demonstration, local artists including Michelle Ange take to the stage for a show that lasts until the first light of dawn.

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