Fashion Forward: Tobaski Edition
In The Gambia, everyone gets new clothes and shoes to wear to the prayer grounds and out to greet neighbors on Tobaski. The kids get so dressed up they are practically unrecognizable in their fancy clothes and gaudy make up. And to be honest, although it’s not the intent, some do actually look scary.
Instead of parading around for candy, though, they ask for “salibo,” any small amount of money neighbors are willing to give. The kids usually come home with no more than a dollar, but it is more money than they ever have and so they think it’s the greatest day on Earth. Most of them probably buy candy with it, so the whole affair really is the Gambian version of trick-or-treating.
Walking to the prayer grounds
Now that is swagger
My host brother, Ebrima, holding our friend’s daughter
My sisters and their friends
My 4-year-old sister, Auntie
“Miss Camara, Miss Camara! Snap my picture!” Kids from my school
Neighborhood kids
Me in my Tobaski dress
–JDF
