Marionette festival in Mali defies threats from jihadi militants to celebrate culture

In a residential neighborhood in Mali’s capital, a parade of giant marionettes marched through the streets as motorcycles and taxis squeezed through the busy road, stopping at intervals to give way for the puppets.

Rendez-Vous Chez Nous, which translates to “come to us” or “meet at our place” in French, was a three-day festival organized by the Nama marionette and dance group. The ninth annual edition of the event, held in Bamako Nov. 6-8, featured dance performances, concerts and plays.

But the spectacle of colors, raucous music and merriment belied the fear that Bamako residents have lived with in recent weeks. The city of more than 3 million people is being squeezed by al-Qaida-backed jihadi militants who have imposed a monthslong blockade on fuel imports into the landlocked country, resulting in severe shortages and panic.

Authorities had to temporarily close schools and several embassies have asked their citizens to leave