In recent years, various countries have made significant efforts to promote and preserve their cultural heritage, benefiting both locals and foreigners. One such example is Burundi, whose royal traditions have found a home in different parts of the world.

At a recent gathering in Liege, Belgium, Burundians and Rwandans from various European and Canadian communities came together to celebrate the "Rukinzo Legacy," a royal ceremony that included baptisms. This celebration showcased the rich cultural traditions of the Burundian kingdom to an international audience.

Samuel Bucumi, a 45-year-old who traveled from France, expressed his pride in the event, saying it demonstrated that Burundian traditions are not just for Burundians but for the world. He emphasized the need for a global effort to spread African traditions like Lumba in Congo, Soul Mistake in Cameroon, and the Zulu lions of South Africa.

Belgium, in particular, has become a hub for Burundian cultural events, attracting thousands of participants, including refugees from Burundi and Rwanda. The annual royal ceremony held in Liege drew attendees from countries as far as Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Canada, all united by their connection to the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Despite the joy of sharing their culture, participants faced challenges, particularly with accessing the traditional attire and equipment needed for these ceremonies. Frederique Bedetse, head of the baptismal group Ikigabiro in Belgium, voiced frustration over the difficulties in obtaining traditional garments from Burundi. Local authorities in Burundi had blocked their attempts to bring the items into Europe, despite the group's investment in the country's culture.

Bedetse emphasized that their efforts were not just about preserving tradition but also about promoting Burundi internationally. He urged the Burundian government to facilitate their work, noting that many foreigners appreciated Burundian culture and that their work should be seen as a contribution to the country's development.

Others, like Emmanuel Nkurunziza, who lives in Germany and leads the Rukinzo Legacy group, echoed these sentiments. He highlighted the importance of making it easier for Burundians abroad to access traditional items, as their efforts helped raise awareness about Burundi's rich heritage.

The significance of Burundi's royal traditions has been recognized globally. Since 2014, the country's cultural practices have been included on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Despite this recognition, challenges remain for those trying to promote Burundian culture abroad.

Burundi's representative to Belgium and Luxembourg, Therence Ntahiraja, suggested that groups working through the embassy could resolve issues more effectively. He noted that other baptismal groups had successfully navigated the process by collaborating with the embassy.

As Burundians living abroad continue to celebrate their culture, they remain hopeful that their contributions will not only preserve their heritage but also help strengthen the connection between their homeland and the world.