One of the events surrounding a traditional marriage in Timbuktu is a party thrown by the girlfriends and age-mates of the new bride. This party is a last bash with all her friends but it is also a show of strength and solidarity for her new in-laws to see that she has lots of people who care about her. Every body dresses up and there is lots of loud music and dancing, some flirting with the boys of the age-set and while the bride must act with dignity- she probably won’t be dancing herself she is permitted to smile, in stark contrast to the wedding itself where she looks miserable or is hidden most of the time. Read More...

Tags: marriage, children, dancing, parties