Umuganura Day, also known as National Harvest Day, is a public holiday in Rwanda, celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm. The day revives a traditional ceremony that dates back over two thousand years. It typically falls on the first Friday in August and symbolizes the beginning of the harvest season. Umuganura is deeply embedded in the Rwandan culture and is a special occasion that brings together families and communities to celebrate agricultural bounty.
The event is marked by traditional rituals, feasting, traditional dance and music performances, and commemoration of the culture and values of Rwanda. The festivities start with offering the first yield to the gods and ancestors, seeking their blessings for bountiful harvest and prosperity. It is not merely a celebration of the agricultural produce but works to reinforce social solidarity, unity, and reconciliation among the Rwandan communities.
Over time, the Umuganura Day celebrations have grown to include other achievements that hold importance for the nation, beyond agriculture. It now recognizes innovations in divergent fields like IT and the achievements in education and sports sectors. In 2011, Umuganura was added to the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting its cultural importance in the Rwandan society. The annual event not only marks the start of harvest but also acts as an embodiment of unity and progress for Rwanda.