Top 5 must attend festivals in Africa

Africa is a land of diversity, deep cultural heritage and a taste of modernity. These three at an intersection make for a great experience that would serve memories for a lifetime. Today in our top 5s, we profile 5 of the top festivals in Africa that celebrate the continent’s cultural heritage, creative arts and diversity.

National Arts Festival, Makhanda

Founded in 1973, the National Arts Festival is 50 years old and has over the years evolved to become the largest festival in Africa. It is also one of the largest in the world by attendance. Celebrated over 11 days, this memorable show is a classic intersection of all the core features that define cultural diversity and uniqueness. NAF as it is popularly called brings together theatre, dance, stand-up comedy and live music to excite and entertain patrons. Visual art exhibitions, films, talks and workshops, food and craft fairs and historical tours of the city of Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown. NAF attracts at least 200,000 patrons each year and is celebrated in July.

Fez Festival of World Sacred Music (Festival des Musiques Sacrées du Monde), Fez

Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is one of the biggest in Morocco and is also recognized in Africa. First held in 1994 in the town of Fez in Morocco, it has remained the most recognizable platform in North Africa to celebrate Christian and Islamic music and culture. The festival was established to promote unity among individuals of all races and religions through spiritual and humanitarian values. Fez has over the years sought to promote Islam’s multifaceted nature as a civilization encompassing philosophy, art, urbanism, architecture and humanism. It also offers the platform to Western and North African artists and writers to jointly explore topics such as the intersection of spirituality, society and artistic expression to promote a greater understanding of cultures and faiths. So are you wondering where you can access Islamic cultural displays and Christian music in one view? Make a trip to Fez in Morocco and share your experience with us.

Lake of Stars Festival, Lake Malawi

The third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi plays host to the Lake of Stars, one of the best festivals in Africa. Started 20 years ago in 2004, the Lake of Stars Festival is a unique celebration of music that attracts attendees from Africa and Europe. Founded by a British tourist Will Jameson, the festival is supported by the UK Music industry and has been widely praised for its uniqueness. Lake of Stars festival seeks to showcase Malawi’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty by celebrating the country’s music, art and people. It also promotes cultural exchange and artists’ growth. Lake of Stars runs for three days and is celebrated annually since its inception in 2004. CNN named it as one of the top 7 festivals to attend in Africa while Time Out in 2015 identified its location; the shores of Lake Malawi as the most beautiful festival location in the world.

Lamu Cultural Festival, Lamu

Lamu Cultural Festival is a 3-day annual festival celebrated in the town of Lamu located in Lamu Island which is part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Lamu is famously called the Island of Festivals for hosting numerous festivals. However, the Lamu Cultural Festival brings a unique breed of cultural appreciation and the celebration of ancient Swahili life. The festival showcases Swahili arts, crafts, music, dance and food among others. Some famous activities that patrons events experience include dhow sailing races, cultural parades, donkey races, traditional henna painting, Bao games, music performances and poetry reading. Patrons will not be short of amusement as Lamu itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, signifying its historic essence and heritage. Lamu Cultural Festival is celebrated in November each year. If you must attend any of the festivals in Africa, try the Lamu Cultural Festival.

Chale Wote Street Art Festival, Accra

If you have attended any of those festivals in Africa but haven’t been to this one, you may just be missing out. Chale Wote Street Art Festival is one of the best showcases of arts and culture. Celebrated either in August or September each year. The festival draws international attention, bringing in artists from across the globe to exhibit their artistic skills in the famous historic port city of Jamestown. When you attend Chale Wote, you will experience activities such as photo exhibitions, street painting, graffiti murals, interactive installations, street boxing, movie screenings and cultural processions. You will also experience music and dance performances and street fashion. If your thing is food, feel free to immerse yourself in the taste of Ghanaian cuisine.

So here we go with our list of the top 5 festivals in Africa you should attend. If you have been there before, congratulations. However, if you have yet to attend any of them, do plan your trip to one of these awesome festivals and treat yourself to Africa’s unique cultural shows.

NOTE: check out our top African movie directors and the top five national parks you should visit in Ghana.