Gaia Mask Parade –Dan (Yacouba) Traditions

Gaia Mask Parade – Dan (Yacouba) Traditions

Step into the mesmerizing world of Gla masks from Côte d’Ivoire through a vibrant, immersive parade inspired by the ancestral traditions of the Dan people, also known as the Yacouba. This colorful performance transports audiences deep into the spiritual and festive rituals of a rich and vibrant culture.

The Gla Masks
Originating from northwestern Côte d’Ivoire and southeastern Liberia, Gla masks represent spirits of nature, ancestors, or deities. Adorned with feathers, cowries, fabric, or raffia, they embody powerful, protective, or messenger-like beings.

A Captivating Parade
Driven by the high energy of traditional drums, the masks come to life in a dynamic and immersive procession. Led by two seasoned percussionists, the parade pulses with the sounds of drums, rattles, bells, and more—guiding the movements of the masked dancers. Each step, each leap is an invocation, a celebration, a surge of energy passed on to the audience.

Possessed by the spirits they channel, the dancers perform striking ritual choreography—athletic, powerful, and at times fierce. The audience is invited to join in, to sing, to clap, and to be swept away by this collective, spiritual experience.

A Moment of Communion
More than just a show, this parade is a shared moment of communion between the artists, the audience, and the unseen forces that animate Dan traditions. It honors memory, community protection, and the connection between the visible and invisible worlds.

Fee: $2000 + taxes