Crepassing of the Great Mosque of Jenne
Heritage, Earth Architecture and Community Celebration · Djenné, Mali
The festival
The Crepassage is the annual renovation, by the entire community of Djenné, of the banco coating that protects the Great Mosque, the largest building made of raw earth bricks, rebuilt in 1907 and inscribed with the ancient cities of Djenné as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Prepared for days, the banco — clay, rice balls and water — is applied in a festive day, under the direction of the Masons Corporation: men undercut the walls by climbing to the torons, women and girls bring water, to the rhythm of music.
The crepasing can take place at any time during the dry season (December to May); the mosque usually takes place in April, before the rainy season that would erode the coating. It is both an indispensable construction site, a party and the transmission of know-how.
Good to know
Travel Reports: The Djenné region (central Mali) is formally not recommended by the official notices in force (France Diplomacy, Government of Canada) due to the security situation. Heritage Fact Sheet only: consult the official notices before any travel plan. The exact date is set locally each year.