Introduction
Festivals are a great way to experience the culture, history, and traditions of a country. A good festival will bring together people from all over that region, allowing you to learn more about their lives and beliefs. They can also be a lot of fun! Here are 11 festivals in Africa that are sure to be amazing:
Festac
Festac is a Nigerian festival held in Lagos. It celebrates Nigerian culture and heritage, with music, fashion and art as its main components. The event takes place every year in July and lasts for a week; it has been running since 1991.
Festac attracts people from all over Africa who come together to celebrate their common heritage as Africans by participating in this colorful event that draws out the best of African culture in terms of food, fashion and music performances by renowned artists from across the continent
Eyo Festival
Eyo Festival, which is also known as the “Coronation Festival of the Kings,” is a Yoruba festival that celebrates the coronation of a new Oba (king). It takes place in Lagos, Nigeria and usually occurs in June.
Most people know that Africa is full of colors, but they may not know how to express it. This festival gives you an opportunity to learn more about African culture while also having fun with friends or family members!
Durbar Festival
The Durbar Festival is a gathering of people from all over the world, celebrating Nepalese culture and heritage. It’s held every five years in Kathmandu, Nepal and celebrates the coronation of the king.
The festival is centered around the Durbar Square in central Kathmandu where you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling traditional crafts like textiles, jewelry and metalwork (as well as plenty of souvenir shops). The best way to experience this vibrant festival? Join one of its many parades!
Marrakech Festival of World Sacred Music
Marrakesh is a city in Morocco, and the Marrakech Festival of World Sacred Music is held in its famous Jemaa el Fna square. The festival has been held since 2006 and is a celebration of music from all over the world. It’s held each November, when temperatures are cooler but still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities like dancing or eating delicious street food!
African Village Market, Cape Town, South Africa
The African Village Market is a celebration of African culture and heritage. It takes place every year in September, attracting thousands of visitors to Cape Town’s Green Point Park. The market features food vendors selling traditional dishes like curried fish and rice, as well as craft stalls selling jewelry, clothing and artwork.
The market was initiated by Nelson Mandela when he was still president of South Africa (1994-1999). He envisioned an event that would showcase all aspects of his country’s colorful history: its past struggles against apartheid; its current economic growth; its diverse ethnicities; even its future aspirations for peace among nations around the world!
Cape Town Food and Wine Festival, South Africa
The Cape Town Food and Wine Festival is held in October and showcases local and international chefs, wine tastings, food tasting and cooking classes. It’s held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Zanzibar International Film Festival, Tanzania
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is a festival of world cinema, which takes place in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It was founded in 2000 by director Hamid Elmi and has been held annually since then. The festival showcases feature films from all over Africa, as well as documentaries and short films that explore social issues facing the continent today.
ZIFF offers a variety of programs including:
- African Cinema Week: A week dedicated to showcasing films made by Africans about Africa or by Africans about other parts of the world;
- Panorama Section: An opportunity for filmmakers from different regions around the globe to present their work;
- Graduate Student Workshop: A program designed specifically for young filmmakers who aspire to become professionals in their field
Timbuktu Festival of Culture & Arts, Mali
The Timbuktu Festival of Culture & Arts, Mali is a celebration of the arts, culture and music of Mali. It has been held since 2000 and celebrates the rich culture of Mali. The festival features traditional dances performed by locals from different regions across the country.
Kigali International Jazz Festival, Rwanda
The Kigali International Jazz Festival takes place every year in April. It’s a celebration of African music from all over the continent, as well as some international acts. The festival features jazz and blues music, but also includes funk, reggae and ska performances by local artists. Some notable performers include:
- Lionel Loueke (Benin) – An internationally acclaimed guitarist who has toured with Herbie Hancock and collaborated with many other great musicians including John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter & Pat Metheny among others
- Richard Bona (Cameroon) – A singer/songwriter who has performed with artists like Miles Davis and Paul Simon
Durbars in Harare, Zimbabwe
The Durbars are held in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. They take place every year in October and celebrate the history and culture of Zimbabwe. The durbars feature music, dance, art and poetry competitions as well as other activities such as fashion shows and sporting events.
These festivals bring together people from all over Africa
African festivals are a great way to learn about African culture. They celebrate the arts, culture and heritage of Africa. These festivals also provide an opportunity for people from all over Africa to come together, share their experiences and have fun!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to get to know Africa better, these festivals are a great place to start. They showcase some of the best aspects of African culture while bringing people together from all over the continent.
