Njogu Touray, a talented and inspirational artist who is passionate, supportive, and open-minded, bestowed life upon this festival three years ago. His enduring legacy now flows through the veins of the Galloya Street Art Group, comprised of young visionaries who follow in his footsteps, carrying on his artistic vision through the celebration of this festival. Devoted to the principles of unity and peace and guided by the pursuit of the common good, this group, together with the entire community, cultivates this wonderful festival.

In a symphony of cultural collaboration, HerMaP Gambia, a program co-funded by the European Union and implemented by HERITΛGE, orchestrated a poetic alliance, casting a wide embrace to beckon individuals from the expanse of the greater Banjul area and the enchanting shores of Barra. Amidst this cultural rendezvous, members of the Niumi Fort Bullen Festival Committee, representatives from the crafts market federation, enterprising individuals, and luminaries of the artistic realm gathered. Together with notable artists, musicians, and various cultural groups, they embarked on a guided journey to observe, relish, and actively immerse themselves in the vibrant festivity that unfolded. This orchestrated convergence painted the festival with unity and shared celebration, a testament to HerMaP Gambia's commitment to cultivating cultural connections and fostering a collective appreciation for heritage and creativity.

The Galloya festival, an ode not only to visual artistry but a harmonious symphony of diverse cultures, saw artists from varied backgrounds converging to paint the village walls with strokes of imagination. Blank canvases metamorphosed into vibrant masterpieces, embodying the unique narratives and traditions of the kaleidoscope of ethnic groups residing in the Gambia. Their collective contributions adorned the walls of Galloya village, leaving an indelible imprint that tells the tale of a community coming together to celebrate their heritage through the universal language of art. Craft artists adorned this event, showcasing their colourful cultural items and adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the festivities.

Embedded within the festival's vibrant colours is the timeless tale of Gallo, the visionary settler who, approximately 300 years ago, embarked on a journey from the village of Kubunneh with his cattle, which roamed the fertile grounds of what was later named after him and is now the Galloya village. In search of even more fertile grounds, Gallo and his cattle traversed the landscapes until they reached this destined place. With keen recognition, Gallo saw the potential of the land and decided to settle in this fertile haven.

Accompanied by his family, including his wife and his son Lamin, who would later become a skilled hunter, Gallo laid the foundation for what would evolve into the vibrant Galloya village. The roots of this community began to intertwine with the very land that had captivated Gallo's heart. In the spirit of generosity, Gallo opened his arms to all, inviting people from various backgrounds to come and make a home in this fertile haven.

With an open-hearted welcome, Gallo extended his invitation to the Fula tribes, embracing diversity and fostering a sense of communal harmony on the fertile grounds of Galloya. This legacy of inclusivity and hospitality became an integral part of Galloya's identity, celebrated and perpetuated through the Galloya Street Art Painting and Cultural Festival. With its diverse participants and cultural expressions, the festival echoes the spirit of Gallo's open invitation, creating an enduring tapestry of unity and shared celebration within the community.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden glow upon a canvas adorned with memories and colours, the Galloya Street Art Painting and Cultural Festival triumphed in its mission. It became a living testament to celebrating diversity, nurturing creativity, and unifying the power of the universal language—art.

In the post-festival dispersal, optimistic energy lingered—a testament to the transformative power of art and the profound impact of the HerMaP Gambia project, which is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by HERITΛGE. With its delicate strokes, this program supports local festivals associated with heritage and tourism and becomes a catalyst for community engagement and income-generating activities. It is a beacon, guiding individuals, associations, and enterprises toward new avenues of cultural preservation and economic prosperity.

And, in close collaboration with MyGambia, HerMaP Gambia ensured that this festival's vibrant legacy would be forever documented and showcased through the colourful pages of their magazine and the captivating images captured during the festival. The essence of Galloya, its cultural richness, the tales of visionary settlers, and the collective celebration of heritage and creativity will continue reverberating through the pages of history, inviting all to relive the enchantment of this timeless narrative.

HERITAGE and HerMaP Gambia

The Heritage Management Organization was established in 2008 to enable key heritage managers to independently transform heritage assets into dynamic sources of learning, community identity and economic development through targeted training. They train professionals in managing heritage sites independently of project specifics. HERITΛGE has trained over 2300 individuals and organizations in 110 countries and is now on course to impact a quarter of global heritage hotspots by the year 2025. They have offices in the US, Greece, and The Gambia.

HerMaP Gambia: This HERITΛGE program aims to contribute to enhancing the cultural, creative, and sports industries as engines for social and economic development and job creation in The Gambia. Supporting The Gambia's heritage sector, the management of Gambian Cultural Heritage is enhanced and valued. HerMaP Gambia is co-funded by the European Union and is being realized in partnership with Gambia's National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).