Seven Cultural And Religious Festivals That You Must See in Africa – Part 1
(This is the first of a two-part series. Read part two here)
The African culture is as diverse as the hundreds of ethnic groups (or tribes) and religions in the continent. Despite several misconceptions about Africa, no single culture can be identified as “the” true culture of Africa. Like in all other continents, the interaction between these different cultures has also led to the birth of newer cultures that transcend any particular tribe or religious group.
Many cultural festivals take place all over Africa all year round, but a few of them are more colorful and enjoyable than others. Today’s post highlights seven of what I consider the top must-see cultural events and festivities. If you know of a festival that ought to have made this list, please feel free to add your comments at the bottom of this page.
1. Annual Voodoo Festivals in Benin
Voodoo is a religion that many Westerners associate with secret practices and the occult, although its adherents say that this is a misconception. The religion is quite prevalent in West Africa, most notably in Benin.
Since 1997, thousands of voodoo believers gather once every year at Ouidah in Benin, to celebrate the most important public event of the religion. The festivities entail animal sacrifices at the beach, wine drinking, and a lot of drumming, singing, dancing and chanting. It is very dramatic, to say the least. What with some of the adherents wearing live pythons around their nakes as ornaments, and others dancing naked in the streets at night.
The festivities take place early in January, so you can start making arrangements for next year. (The 2012 celebrations happened on 10th January). Below is a video recording from a past event.
2. Festival au Desert – Mali
I previously mentioned Timbuktu as one of historical sites you must see in Africa. Here’s one more reason you should travel to this ancient town in Mali – the annual festival in the desert. This is a three-day musical concert held every year since 2001, to celebrate the music of the nomadic Touareg tribe of the Sahara desert.
The celebrations take place in the desert in Northern Mali, just a few kilometers from Timbuktu. The event is inspired by a long standing Touareg tradition of holding big annual gatherings to sing, dance, demonstrate male strength and female beauty, and to have lots of fun.
Most of the artists who perform at Le Festival au Desert are Malian, and a majority of the performances are Touareg songs. However, there are performances by a few other invited African and world artists.
The 2012 edition has already taken place (12th to 14th January), but you can start planning for next year’s event now. Remember however that it will require you to rough it up a bit. For your accommodation, you will sleep inside a traditional Touareg tent, in a sleeping bag atop a traditional Touareg mat, for the three days. You will also have to adjust to the desert conditions – very hot during the day, and very cold at night.
You can find more information about this event at the official website. Below is a video footage from a past event
3. Maulidi Festival Lamu (Donkey races, Dhow races)
Maulidi is an islamic festival held to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed. It takes place during Rabi-ul-awwal, the third month of the Muslim calender, hence its date in the Gregorian calender varies each year.
Every year, thousands of Muslim faithfuls from the whole East African region and other parts of the world go to Lamu to attend the Maulidi festivities. The celebrations last for the whole month, but the last week is the most fun-filled. Lots of sports competitions take place this time including dhow races, swimming, tug-of-wars, and donkey races.
On the last day of the Maulid festival, all the men gather at a central location for silent prayers, after which they interlock their arms and proceed in a giant procession to the sea front, where they celebrate vigorously with lots of singing and dancing.
4. Sauti za Busara – Zanzibar
Some people consider this as Africa’s biggest musical event. The organizers have dubbed it ‘the friendliest festival on the planet’. Sauti za Busara, a swahili phrase that translates to “Sounds of Wisdom”, is a cultural festival that brings together performing artists from Tanzania and several other African countries. The result is a great and exhilarating experience of the best of African cultural music.
But Sauti za Busara is much more than just a musical festival. It showcases the best of Zanzibar and Swahili culture. Visitors get to participate in a street carnival in Stone Town, fashion shows, dhow races, and a chance to sample the local food and drinks. All people who have attended the event have great things to say about it. The 2012 edition takes place from 8th to 12th February.
Visit the official website to see more information about the festival.
