a beach-side music and games festival

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When we went to the beach, we passed by a music and games festival along Plage Fidjrossè... Val got curious because it seemed like the perfect place to bring his nephews and niece to. Hence, once the kids were finished with homework, we went there with their parents to see what this event was all about. 


It's the MTN XWE Festival de Musique et de Jeux; as far as I understood, it's sponsored by MTN, a mobile phone services company. RC Cola was another major sponsor, with all the tarps and the soda being given out at the event (drinks were inclusive of the entrance fee).


The event had in interesting concept: set up an events venue using container vans; put up inflatable playgrounds for young children and video games for the older kids; and decorate the venue with Christmas-themed motifs. For the adults, there was a spot where they could lounge on pallets converted into chairs and tables. In the evenings, apparently, there were concerts. However, we were there for the children's enjoyment so we missed the music festivities.


I remembered Shiela, a former officemate, when I saw the inflatable playgrounds. To earn extra income, she used to hustle during weekends by renting out an inflatable playground for children's parties. I think she's not doing this side business anymore, though.


Anyway, Val and I checked out the inflatable playgrounds while his nephews and niece were busy playing in the giant inflatable slide. We saw a Sleeping Beauty castle, a boxing ring, Santa's house, and what seemed to be an obstacle course with Japanese cartoon characters on them.


I didn't know if there was a concert later that day; we didn't stay long enough to find out though. But the kids were happy; we and their parents (Val's cousins) were able to relax while sipping sodas. When it became dark, we all trooped back to the car and went home.

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