The continent of Africa is bursting with festivals and music celebrations preserving our heritage and culture. Throughout the whole continent, colourful and vibrant festivals range through musical, religious, cultural and harvest to name just a few. Some of these festivals are popular and attract crowds from around the world, but all offer a distinctive form of celebration that highlights the wide array of African cultures and customs.
If you plan on journeying to the Motherland this year, Here are festivals from various countries around the continent you shouldn’t miss when you visit this magical place.
Bouake Carnival – Ivory Coast
Each year in March, natives and tourists join together to enjoy music and eat traditional foods during The Bouake Carnival. The celebration, held at St. Michael’s Cathedral, is known as a celebration of life and friendship. Tourists and natives join together to enjoy great music, eat traditional foods, explore the cultural markets and join in the well- known street parties and parades. So if you are looking for a hot spot, or maybe even a little culture shock, you should definitely go and check one of West Africa’s largest Carnivals, Bouake Carnival.
The Festival Of Roses – Morocco
If you plan to be in Morocco in May, then head to theFestival of Roses held in the small town of Kalaat M’Gounna. The city is known for its beautiful landscape of pink Persian roses, which is why locals celebrate the flowers. The three-day celebration filled with food, dancing, and singing attracts more than 20,000 people every year! The streets are then covered with a blanket of roses for shows and concerts of Berber groups. You can of course also shop in the souks or even learn how rose water is made. On the last day of the festival, one of the most beautiful women in town will be elected as the Miss Roses of that particular year.
Nyege Nyege – Uganda
Nyege Nyege stands for peace, love, and abundant joy, for underground music and musicians in Africa, according to event organizers.
The four-day international music festival aims to showcase “The Pearl of Africa” through music and art.
Zanzibar International Film Festival – Tanzania
Established in 1997, the Zanzibar International Film Festival is East Africa’s largest film and arts festival, exhibiting the latest and best films and promoting films, music, art, and design.
In addition to nine straight days of music and film screenings, attendees have the chance to attend discussion panels and workshops.
An In-depth Look At The Influence Of African Culture On Rio Carnival In Brazil
Cape Town International Jazz Festival – South Africa
Affectionately referred to as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the largest music event in sub-Saharan Africa. The festival is famous for its star-studded line up of local and international artists.
