Started last Wednesday, the curtain fell last weekend on the first edition of the Festival International du Pagne Tissé (FIPAT). L’initiative de l’Association du développement du textile locale pour célébrer le pagne tissé appelé localement ”Kanvo” a tenu le pari.
Charlemagne Amoussou and his team can breathe a sigh of relief. Indeed, during the last parade held on Saturday 22 October 2022, several ministers of the Republic honored with their presence to show the government's support for this great idea. A strong signal which is only the proof of the seriousness in the organization of this festival and the commitment of the government to the promotion of local values.
“We cannot talk about Benin without talking about our Kanvo. Our woven loincloth which is the base of the development of our economy at the base” declared Charlemagne Amoussou delegate to the organization of FIPAT. For the latter, it is this Kanvo “that makes our craftsmen work at the base”. Making it clear that "we are at the end of our festival which lasted five days, he thanks the Head of State and his government for their constant support”. The promoter of the brand Lolo Andoche invites everyone to adopt the woven loincloth to enhance not only the culture but also to promote the important work that the weavers do., the dyers, cotton growers.
Speaking on behalf of ministers, Modest Kérékou,did not fail to express his joy and express his satisfaction for this first edition of FIPAT. "We are here to support this great initiative". « A travers ce festival, it's a whole industry, a chain that can be structured around this culture”, declared Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises. For him what is necessary, is to support all our creators : “These are models that we have come to admire, in all its dimensions”. He says that "the government has finished laying the groundwork for cotton production and the ball is in the court of the creators to exploit them". So, for Modeste Kerekou, “It’s up to creators to come up with workable models to showcase this heritage
A sa suite, the partners did not remain indifferent.The Representative of the partners, MoovAfrica, will also say his pride for this festival. He points out that Lolo Andoche, promoter of the said festival and general delegate "is a passionate. He lives from his passion. He has professional rigor. And this rigor which is his pride, his sucess". For this one, “This first edition is a success and MoovAfrica is delighted to be a partner in this initiative”. " Thank you for your confidence", he hinted.
Stylists and fashion designers have demonstrated mastery and technical ease in the use of Kanvo for an unforgettable evening in the minds of fashion lovers.. Four types of creative panels furnished this latest fashion show. One as crispy as the other. This first edition of FIPAT was folded into the archives on Sunday with a tourist visit to Gogotinkpon for eager festival-goers.
Veronique GBEWOLO (Stag)