“Salibo” is a tradition mainly practised by children in The Gambia. It is a fun and joyful time during holidays and religious festivals when children dress in their finest dresses, go around greeting family members, neighbours, friends and others throughout their villages and ask for “salibo”, which is gifted money, during this greeting exchange. They run through the streets far past sundown, thrilled to have a few coins of their own.

Sometimes also adults join the kids in asking for “salibo”, which is mainly for fun and enjoyment. Some groups of children will collect all the money together and use it to organize a small party with juice and sweets.

You can simply put a smile on someone’s face by giving them ˝Salibo˝.

Do you wish to witness this? Being in The Gambia in early May is the best opportunity to witness this amazing interaction among the people of the smiling coast.

If you are in The Gambia during any festive period, we recommend you to be part of the traditional family celebration. You will get to know the culture, tradition and religion in practice, and you might be surprised by their generosity, caring and charity activities, especially around religious festivals.

Ramadan Mubarak from My Gambia family!