Gala Heritage: Senegalese culture shines from UNESCO to the Eiffel Tower

From UNESCO to the Eiffel Tower, via Montreuil, the third edition of the Heritage Gala highlighted Senegalese traditions, hairstyles and costumes in Paris, from September 30 to October 10, 2026. Initiated by Papis Niang and produced by Art Bi Management, this edition took place under the theme “Nagn Déllu Saaraba”.

Senegalese cultural heritage has been invited to the French capital. From the UNESCO headquarters to the streets of Paris, via the Espace Royal de Montreuil, the third edition of the Heritage Gala celebrated Senegalese traditions and identity. Organized from September 30 to October 10, 2026, this initiative aims to bring people together through culture and strengthen the links between the diaspora and its roots.

The first highlight took place on September 30 at UNESCO headquarters, during the event “UNESCO at the heart of the YOG Dakar 2026”, organized at the initiative of the Permanent Delegation of Senegal, in partnership with Greece, one month before the Youth Olympic Games. The meeting took place in the presence of the Director General of UNESCO, Khaled El Enany, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Senegal, Djirèye Clotilde Coly, as well as the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Senegal to UNESCO, Pierre Maad Faye, and several international delegations.

The message conveyed by this meeting was summed up in these terms: “Saaraba brings together, Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates. »

On October 9, the Espace Royal de Montreuil hosted “Ëttu Saaraba”, an evening dedicated to traditional Senegalese culture. Led by Fatou Guéweul Diouf and Tarba Mbaye, it brought together several personalities, including the Senegalese ambassador to France, Baye Moctar Diop, and Pierre Maad Faye, as well as mayors, deputy mayors and local elected officials.

The next day, the streets of Paris served as the setting for the “Tenkam Tenkam” walk. Near the Eiffel Tower, symbolic figures from Senegalese history and imagination were honored, notably Lat Dior Ngoné Latyr and Maam Penda Mbaye, alongside Assia Yatabaré, presented as the Queen of Gold.

This sequence was also marked by the official presentation of Queen Saaraba by El Hadj Bécaye Mbaye. According to the press release, this emblematic figure will have the mission of promoting “reconnection to the roots, the transmission of heritage, intercultural dialogue, peace and human equality”.

Culture as a link

Through the Gala Heritage, the initiator, Papis Niang, defends a vision of culture as a lever for transmission and rapprochement between peoples. “A people who know their heritage know part of their strength,” he emphasizes.

For the organizers, the meeting between cultures must not be to the detriment of identities. In Paris, the meeting highlighted Senegalese heritage as a universal language, capable of transcending borders, connecting generations and bringing the diaspora closer to its origins.

This ambition must continue with SAARABA WORLD, a universe dedicated to heritage, creation and intercultural dialogue. The project intends to offer artists, artisans and young talents opportunities for visibility and collaboration. The organizers want to make the Heritage Gala an annual, international and sustainable event.

After this Parisian stage, the Patrimoine Gala plans to continue its international deployment. The next meeting is announced in 2027, in England and the United States, with the ambition of strengthening exchanges with the diasporas and giving greater scope to SAARABA WORLD.

YEAR