Rwanda on Friday celebrated its national harvest day, also known as Umuganura.   

KIGALI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday celebrated its national harvest day, also known as Umuganura.

The celebration at the village level brought community members to reflect on their shared identity. It featured traditional music, dancing, and feasting, while also providing a platform to showcase produce from different economic sectors and to recognize Rwandans for their hard work.

Speaking in Musanze District, northern Rwanda, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana said the event strengthens national unity, and gives Rwandans the platform to take pride in their national cultural values while reconnecting with each other.

"Umuganura reminds us that unity is the foundation of national development," he said, adding that the event also gives people an opportunity to appreciate achievements after a year of dedication.

Vivine Usanase, a resident of Nyabugogo village in the capital city of Kigali, said she appreciates Umuganura for helping communities to share traditional foods such as sorghum, maize, cassava, yams, beans and drinks.

"To me, it is a historical day which brings us together as Rwandans to share and reflect on Rwanda's cultural heritage. Traditional Rwandans used to share produce after harvest; this event fosters the spirit of sharing," she told Xinhua.

Umuganura Day is an important cultural occasion in Rwanda, marked as a public holiday on the first Friday of August.■