Animal Sacrifice Ritual in Dafra

Furthermore, the animal sacrifice ritual is also among the Burkinabe culture, customs, and etiquette that will interest you. And referring to the animal sacrifice ritual in Burkina Faso, it is impossible not to mention Dafra - a famous and important sacrifice site with feeding chickens to the fish. Dafra is a sacrificial site near Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest and predominantly Muslim city. Dafra lies at the source of the river Houet and is situated in a gorge. Dafra is inhabited by live catfish, which are considered the tutelary spirits of Bobo-Dioulasso. Ritual practice at the site includes killing chickens and feeding their intestines to the fish. If a wish comes true, a sacrifice of an animal must be offered as an expression of gratitude.

Dafra is known as a powerful location where desires made and affirmed by vows will be granted. People travel to Dafra for treatment for ailments, infertility, financial hardship, failure in business or school, nightmares, and so on. Therefore, from all around Burkina Faso, its neighbors, and even from as far away as Europe or the US, people pilgrimage to Dafra.