The Inyambo cattle parade in Rwanda is a three-day cultural festive that is aimed at celebrating the Inyambo royal cattle. This event was celebrated during the monarchy rule, however, after the country’s independence in 1962, it was halted. This was because of the Hutu government that sought to eliminate the attributes of the Rwandan kingdom. The Inyambo cattle have historically been part and significant in Rwanda’s culture. They were a crown prize for the kingdom as they were taken as royal cattle.
Inyambo cattle are majestic elegant long-horned cattle that are natives of Rwanda and Uganda. They are very similar to the Ankole long-horned cattle of Uganda located in the western region of Uganda. They have a large appearance with a straight backline with a sloping ramp. They have one body color or coat of a dark reddish-brown coat. Some have additional coats like creamy white, especially on their bellies. The Inyambo cattle have proven to be very resilient to disease and climatic conditions that affect their exotic cousin breeds. An adult Inyambo bull can weigh over 650 kilograms with a body length of about 217 centimeters and a cow can weigh over 450 kilograms with 134 centimeters in average body length. These cattle have an average life span of approximately 25 years and a lifetime birth rate of about 10 calves. The distinctive feature appearance of this elegant creature is the long horns that shoot high up in the air for about 4-5 feet or even more.
The Inyambo cattle parade
The Inyambo cattle parade is an annual exhibition parade of the Inyambo cattle. Though monarchism ended in Rwanda, the country tried to maintain the cultural significance of some of the events and cultures. Among these events and cultures that were maintained, is the Inyambo cattle parade. After the reconstruction of the palace at Kwigira Museum in Nyanza, 15 Inyambo cows were introduced. Experienced cow keepers and trainers take these cattle in drills of training on how to parade and walk. The trainers and keepers sing cultural songs to the cattle as they play sweet melodies through piles. Cattle owners across the country also send in their cattle a year to the parade for training to participate in the event. On the day of the parade, the cows are dressed in elegant jewelry that displays royalty and the cultural significance of the Inyambo cattle as the King’s cattle. The parade is not only a cultural event but also gathers locals and visitors from all walks of life thus fostering unity and bond.
Cost to participate in the Inyambo parade
The Inyambo parade during the monarchy years of Rwanda was done to honor the king and exhibit culture through designing the cattle in rich traditional jewelry. Large masses from the kingdom were invited to witness and be part of the parade. However, following the revival of the parade after it was abolished after the removal of monarchism in Rwanda after independence, attending the Inyambo parade is by a fee of about RWF 100,000. Visitors who would wish to film the event can pay up to £200.
What to combine with the Inyambo cattle parade in Rwanda?
The Inyambo cattle parade in Rwanda takes three days and hence presents ample time to also embark on other different experiences in the country. The following are some of the experiences and places to combine with the Inyambo cattle parade.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
While in Kigali for the Inyambo cattle parade, spare time and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This memorial is located in Kigali on Gisozi Hill and it holds the remains of more than 250,000 people who were killed and buried in a mass grave on this hill at the memorial during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. These people were mainly Tutsis and a few Hutus who tried to sympathize with the Tutsis. The memorial has three sections, one exhibits the names and some pictures of the children who were killed, the second section is for the adults, and the last shows similar genocides across the world. The memorial has virtual and audio guide speakers that guide and further give more knowledge on what the visitors want. This genocide memorial exhibits how the genocide was one of the worst events in human history and why it should never happen anywhere else in the world. While at the memorial visitors will learn how all the events transpired leading to the genocide.
Kigali City tour
The city of Kigali is Rwanda’s prestigious capital that presents the culture of the people and exotic elegance. This city is the cleanest in Africa and visitors can explore the bright green gardens of flowers and grass that breathe fresh air to the city. The organization of the city strikes well with a touch of a European setting in Africa. The Kigali City tour is a great way for visitors to interact with the locals and visit their local markets like the Kimironko market for fresh organic food products.
Explore Nyamirambo Women’s Center
Visitors can also explore the Nyamirambo Women’s Center located on the outskirts of Kigali in Nyamirambo town. This women’s center was started by a group of women who aimed to empower their fellow women with skills and education to improve their household incomes. Visitors can explore the center and support these women by buying a thing or two and exploring the town with a local woman guide.
Visit the Campaign against Genocide Museum
The campaign against genocide museum is located in the heart of Kigali in the former parliamentary building. This museum is very important in the history of Rwanda as it was the starting point for the end of the Rwanda 1994 genocide. The 3rd battalion of over 600 soldiers of the Rwanda Patriotic Front was using this building as their protection unit during negotiations for a transitional government. On orders of the chairman of the high command, this battalion moved into action to stop the genocide and in July 1994 they defeated the genocide regime hence ending the 100 days of terror. Visitors can explore the sections of the museum like the sick bay that was used in the war, the mounted 12.7 mm machine gun used, and the photos of the warriors among other things.
