Burkina Faso: What to Know Before You Go

Cuisine Highlights

• Tô, stiff millet or sorghum paste eaten with okra, peanut, or leaf sauce; the foundational staple of the Burkinabè diet eaten multiple times daily
• Riz gras, fatty rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and tomato paste; the festive rice dish prepared for celebrations and guest meals
• Dolo, a traditional millet beer fermented and served in calabash bowls; a social drink brewed by women and central to community gatherings
• Soumbala, fermented locust bean condiment used as a flavoring paste; pungent, deeply savory, and fundamental to West African cooking

Traditions & Festivals

• FESPACO, biennial Pan-African Film Festival held in Ouagadougou (odd years); the most important film festival in Africa, celebrating African cinema since 1969
• SIAO, biennial International Crafts Fair; an extraordinary showcase of African arts, crafts, and textiles from across the continent held in Ouagadougou
• Mask traditions, the Bwa, Mossi, and Bobo peoples have extraordinary mask ceremonies marking harvests, initiations, and community events

Language & Communication

French is the official language. Mooré (Mossi), Dioula, and Fulfuldé are widely spoken national languages.

Key French phrase: "Bonjour" means hello. Note: Burkina Faso has experienced significant insecurity from jihadist insurgencies since 2015, most Western governments advise against travel to large parts of the country; check current advisories carefully before any visit.

Ouagadougou requires specific current security assessments.

Cultural Etiquette

• Burkinabè people are famous across West Africa for their warmth and tolerance, "Burkina Faso" means "Land of Upright People"; live up to that hospitality with equal respect
• Greeting ceremonies are important, take time to exchange full greetings; rushing past someone without greeting is rude
• Dress modestly especially in the Muslim north; women should cover shoulders and knees in public areas
• Photography of markets and people requires permission; always ask and accept a polite refusal gracefully