Rites of passage celebrated in Ivory Coast's Fatchue ceremony - in pictures

The annual celebration marks the passing of one generation to the next

A warrior of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" from an Ebrie village performs a dance in support to those of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

Two young members of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" pose for a picture in a street of Adjame village in Abidjanduring the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

The "Fatchue" ceremony mark the passage of individuals from one generation to the next with dances and rituals. AFP

Members of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" from Cocody village perform a dance in support to those of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

The "Blessoue Djehou" generation is mature in age and is the next generation to participate in the management of village affairs. AFP

Hundreds gather for the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

Members of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" from an Ebrie village. / AFP / Sia KAMBOU

A warrior of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" from an Ebrie village performs a dance. AFP

A woman prepares child of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" in initiation in a street of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. / AFP / SIA KAMBOU

A warrior of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" from an Ebrie village performs a dance in support to those of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

A child of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" in initiation dances in a street of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

A warrior (C) of the "Blessoue Djehou generation" performs a dance in a street of Adjame village in Abidjan during the "Fatchue" ceremony. AFP

The "Fatchue" ceremony mark the passage of individuals from one generation to the next with dances and rituals. AFP

A warrior (C) of the "Blessoue Djehou generation". AFP

Hundreds of people gathered on the streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Thursday to celebrate the annual “Fatchue” ceremony.

The ceremony is one of the biggest celebrations for the Ebrie people, and marks the passing from one generation to the next.

The Fatchue celebrations involve dance and a number of rituals, with Ebrie people painting their faces in traditional tribal patterns and dressing in traditional clothing for the occassion.

During the ceremony, the 'Blessoue Djehou' generation, who are mature in age and invite the next generation to participate in the management of village affairs.

Scroll through the gallery at the top of the page to see pictures from this year’s Fatchue ceremony.