Canoe Regatta Kicks Off Bakatue Festival Celebrations

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, the historic town of Elmina, locally known as Edinaman, will come alive with vibrant colors, rhythmic beats, and ancestral connections as it marks the Bakatue Festival. This significant event, translating to “opening of the Benya Lagoon,” showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage and historical roots.
The highlight of the festival is the breathtaking Canoe Regatta, where fishermen showcase their prowess in paddling and rowing, connecting with their ancestral heritage.

This year’s festival is themed “Sustaining our Heritage to Promote Tourism for Community and National Development,” promising a vibrant blend of tradition, spirituality, and togetherness.
The festival features traditional drumming, cultural dances, and rituals performed at the Benya Lagoon, where libations and symbolic offerings are made to invoke blessings for a fruitful fishing season.
Come witness the Bakatue Festival, feel its vibrant energy, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Edinaman.
The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the town’s history, identity, and spirituality.



