Sierra Leone’s culture is a lively mix of traditions, customs, and different ethnic groups. It is a colorful blend of heritage, music, dance, art, and food that shows the values and history of its people.
There are different 18 Ethnic groups in Sierra Leone with the Mende ethnic being the largest and they reside primarily in the Southern and Eastern regions of the nation. They have a rich history and cultural heritage, known for their agricultural expertise and craftsmanship. In second place for the largest ethnic group, you have the Temne people which are concentrated in the northern and western parts of Sierra Leone. They have a strong social structure based on patrilineal kinship. The Temne are renowned for their trading skills, fishing, and farming practices.
The people of Sierra Leone are welcoming and value community. They enjoy music and dancing, which are an important part of their culture. Local artists create beautiful crafts like carvings and jewelry. The food in Sierra Leone is a delicious combination of flavors influenced by different cultures.
Some notable traditions in Sierra Leone include
- Eating Rice every day. Locals usually say “If I haven’t eaten rice then I really haven’t eaten today”.
- Drinking Palm Wine
- Wearing the Traditional clothing known as “Print”
- Going to the beach on major Holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
- Secret societies are also still a big part of the country’s culture, especially for young boys and girls in rural/Remote areas.