The Moro-Naba Ceremony takes place every Friday around 07:00 in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Mossi leaders travel to the compound of the Moro-Naba chief. They are seated by rank for the Moro-Naba's appearance. The Moro-Naba wears red and appears with a horse as if prepared for war. A cannon fires, the most senior chiefs pledge allegiance, and the Moro-Naba leaves before reappearing in white, as if making peace. Doolo, the traditional beer, and kola nut drinks are distributed, after which the Moro-Naba holds court.
The ceremony is said to represent the Moro-Naba's ministers dissuading him from going to war.
Famous quotes containing the word ceremony:
“No ceremony that to great ones ‘longs,
Not the king’s crown, nor the deputed sword,
The marshal’s truncheon, nor the judge’s robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)