Senegal’s historic pirogue regatta unites Saint-Louis communities

Thousands of people gathered in Saint-Louis on Saturday for the city’s traditional pirogue regatta, a centuries-old sporting event linked to the fishing community of Guet-Ndar. Spectators filled the banks of the Senegal River and the area around Faidherbe Bridge to watch the annual contest.

Three teams representing Lodo, Pond Kholé and Dack took part in the races. The programme opened with the traditional Soob ritual before moving into a day of paddling, chanting, drumming, dancing and colourful performances.

Pond Kholé’s pirogue, Ameth Fall Braya, won the decisive Grand Prix. Lodo had taken the first two races, but Pond Kholé secured the event’s main prize in the final contest.

The regatta comes from a tradition among fishermen, who held races after returning from the water. Competitors continue to train for the event without payment, putting aside other work and activities to prepare for the competition.

The rivalry between the neighbourhoods is intense, but the regatta also serves as a meeting point for the communities. Residents view it as a way to preserve Guet-Ndar’s culture and maintain ties between generations. Thousands of locals attended, joined by some international tourists.

Sailors and residents want the event to receive greater financial support. One proposal is for the winning team’s prize to rise to between 100 million and 150 million CFA francs, a level they believe would better reflect the regatta’s importance.

For Saint-Louis, the races remain more than a contest on the river. They keep the memory of the city’s fishing communities alive while bringing its neighbourhoods together through a shared sporting tradition.