Introduction
Africa is a diverse continent with many cultures and traditions. While many people know about their festivals, it’s not often that you see them all in one place. However, these six festivals will give you an incredible overview of how vibrant Africa can be:
Zanzibar International Film Festival
Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is an annual film festival held in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is the largest film festival in East Africa and has been taking place since 1977. The festival was started by the then president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere as a way to celebrate cinema and promote tourism on the island.
In addition to being one of the oldest festivals in Africa, ZIFF also holds several other distinctions: it is the only international competition focused solely on African films; its awards are considered more prestigious than those given out during Cannes or Venice; it has been credited with helping filmmakers gain recognition not just at home but across continents as well–and lastly, due largely because this is where directors such as Oscar-winner John Singleton got their start making movies!
Mombasa Carnival
Mombasa Carnival is the biggest carnival in Kenya, taking place in August. It’s a festival of music and dance that celebrates African culture through its performances of traditional music and dance.
The Mombasa Carnival takes place every year at Uhuru Park, which is located on Mombasa Island. During this event you can see different types of traditional dances from all over Africa including Ghanaian highlife, Congolese soukouss and Zimbabwean mbira music (to name just a few).
Marrakech International Film Festival
The Marrakech International Film Festival is an annual event that attracts film makers from around the world. The festival showcases films from Morocco and Africa, as well as documentaries, shorts and animations. It is held in November each year and provides a great opportunity to see a new side of Morocco.
Tana Jazz Festival
The Tana Jazz Festival, which takes place every year in July and August, is one of the most colorful festivals in Africa. It’s held in a beautiful location at the heart of the city, next to Lake Victoria and with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
If you’re lucky enough to attend this festival, expect an eclectic mix of different styles including jazz fusion, funk and soul music as well as traditional African rhythms like mbalax or soukouss. If you want some more information about these genres before heading out on your trip then check out our guide here: https://www.jazzfestivalguide.com/resources/jazz-genres/.
How do I get there?
The easiest way is by flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) which has flights from all over Africa including Johannesburg (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya). You can also take trains or buses but these are less reliable so we recommend flying if possible!
AfrikaBurn
AfrikaBurn is a week-long celebration of art, music and community in the desert. It is held annually in the Tankwa Karoo, Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
The event takes its name from Burning Man which was founded by Larry Harvey and Jerry James in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco. AfrikaBurn began as a spinoff event called “Afrikaburn” at Klapperstroom Farm near Johannesburg in 2006 before moving to its current location three years later.
Cape Town Cycle Tour
The Cape Town Cycle Tour is a three-day event held in March, which sees thousands of cyclists riding through the streets of Cape Town. It’s a fundraiser for charity and takes place every year on the last weekend in March.
Africa is a vibrant continent with colorful festivals.
African festivals are a great way to experience the culture. They’re also an opportunity to meet people and make friends, learn about different cultures and customs, and enjoy yourself!
If you’re thinking of going on holiday in Africa, don’t miss out on one of these colorful events:
Conclusion
Africa is a vibrant continent with colorful festivals. From the Zanzibar International Film Festival in Tanzania, to the Mombasa Carnival in Kenya, there are many festivals throughout the year that will bring you closer to local traditions and customs. The Marrakech International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in Africa with over 200 films screened each year by filmmakers from across the globe. If you’re interested in learning more about African culture then we recommend checking out some of these events!
