Embodying the nation: The production of sameness and difference in national-day parades

Abstract

National-day parades constitute a common format of embodying the nation. Composed of numerous distinct bodies of persons with individual characteristics (being short or tall) and multilayered societal roles (being a nurse, a father etc.), parades primarily evoke an image of sameness, while they also display differences. Focusing on the preparation of the Burkinabè national-day parades, this paper explores practices of disciplining bodies and making them appear similar and/or different. We ask how national-day parades mirror and produce images of the nation and how they treat differences like sex, ethnic belonging and occupation. The paper highlights that performances of the nation, as produced through civilian parades, are co-productions of all actors involved. Moreover, the focus on the rehearsals reveals that they generate a group experience for both organisers and participants, arguing that parades should not only be understood as ephemeral events, but as social interactions creating group experiences that have lasting impact.