Song and dance are ubiquitous across Africa. So it is no surprise to learn that the continent is awash with world-beating festivals. From a gorilla-naming ceremony to an all-male beauty pageant, here we highlight 10 of the most famous African festivals
Musical Malawi
Founded in 2004 by Brit Will Jameson, the Lake of Stars Festival is often cited as one of the most important African festivals. It takes place on the shores of Lake Malawi and features music, films, theatre and workshops. This idyllic setting has seen performances from the likes of Afrikan Boy, Foals and Young Fathers, along with a whole host of local musicians. But perhaps its greatest success is the reported $1m it brings to the local economy each year.
Where: Lake Malawi, Malawi
Ethiopian extravaganza
Timkat is an annual Orthodox Christian celebration, held across Ethiopia. Each January, it sees pilgrims reenact the baptism of Christ – known as Epiphany – and renew their vows. There are processions, singing, dancing, prayer and the obligatory feasting. Festivities are best witnessed in Gondar (look out for a replica of the Ark of the Covenant) or Addis Ababa (where the streets are decorated with the colours of the Ethiopian flag).
Where: Ethiopia
Desert delight
Taking place over four days each December, the International Festival of the Sahara is a raucous celebration of Tunisian history and culture. This African festival first took place in 1910, whilst the country was under French rule, as a bridal fair. The modern incarnation, dating to 1967, sees locals pile into the H’naiech stadium to witness singing, dancing, poetry and various races – including that of dog, camel and horse.
Where: Douz, Tunisia
Gorillas aplenty
Quite possibly the most wholesome African festival (if not the world’s), Kwita Izina is a celebration of conservation success. It takes places each September in Rwanda and features a conference and various workshops. The highlight of this annual event is, of course, its famous gorilla naming ceremony. Invited guests take to the stage to name each gorilla born in the past year. Singing and dancing ensue.
Where: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Drag in Chad
For tourists, this might seem more of a spectacle – but it is definitely not one to be missed! Each September, at the end of the rainy season, the polygamous Wodaabe tribe gathers for the Gerewol Festival. This impressive event sees male members of the tribe don colourful make-up and vivid costumes, in a bid to impress female judges. Competition in this African festival is fierce and understandably so – for this is not just a beauty contest but also an opportunity to attract a new mate.
Where: Dourbali, Chad
Spring into step
Hermanus, in South Africa, is known as the best land-based destination for whale watching – in the entire world. So it is perhaps a fitting location for a festival centred around these majestic beasts. Each September, thousands gather to celebrate their return to Walker bay – and thus the arrival of spring. Aside from whale-watching trips, visitors at the Hermanus Whale Festival enjoy street parades, live music, comedy and some truly delicious seafood.
Where: Hermanus, South Africa
Southern comfort
Of all the African music festivals in sub-Saharan Africa, Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the biggest. Each spring it hosts jazz icons from around the world for two days of musical magic. Tickets routinely sell out – and you can understand why – given their list of previous performers. Think Herbie Hancock, Miles Mosley and the Buena Vista Social Club.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
Spotlight on the Dhow countries
Held across various waterfront venues, the Zanzibar International Film Festival not only celebrates East African art and culture but also that of the Indian Ocean Islands, the Gulf States, Iran and India. Whilst the films that are screening in the competition are arguably the highlight, there is also a strong focus on workshops. Many of these explore social issues and the role that film can play in solving them. And for foreign visitors, you simply cannot miss the Dhow races, which take place throughout the course of these nine days.
Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Arts galore
The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is fondly known as southern Africa’s Glastonbury. Although somewhat younger than its British counterpart (HIFA first took place in 1999), this African festival is no less creative and features all manner of performances – including music, dance, spoken word and theatre. Taking place across the capital each spring, it brings together both local and global talent and regularly attracts over 50,000 people.
Where: Harare, Zimbabwe
Cultural cacophony
Launched in 2008 to coincide with the opening of Kenya’s Desert Museum, the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival celebrates the rich heritage of local tribes. Amidst a sea of colour, visitors can get a glimpse of the various ethnic groups that live around Lake Turkana, fondly known as the Jade Sea. Enjoy the singing and dancing galore of this superb African festival, plus the opportunity to try unique local delicacies and purchase traditional crafts.
Where: Loiyangalani, Kenya
Sources
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/african-festivals/
https://afrotourism.com/trip-idea-blog/africas-8-best-music-festivals/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/africas-best-festivals-and-events-1454047
