Ethiopians will be celebrating Fasika (Easter) after 55 days of fasting this April. Many of Ethiopia’s religious festivals offer a wonderful excuse to visit this fascinating country. Egyptians will be out on the streets in numbers “Sniffing the Breeze” as they celebrate spring. South Africans will be packing up their swimsuits soon as they’re headed for the autumn/fall. But not before grooving away to some of South Africa’s finest music festivals held at various venues next month including Cape Town’s famous Jazz Festival. And spare a thought for the marathon runners who will still be tackling Morocco’s Sahara with backpacks and tired legs. The finish line should be in sight on April 6.
April brings spring to northern Africa and fall to South Africa. A form of Easter is celebrated by Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt; the Ethiopians will break a 55 day fast on Easter Monday. Runners have their pick of interesting marathons in the Sahara Desert and the African bush.
Here some africa’s festival in April:
The Sand Marathon covers 151 miles and is run over 6 days; it’s a grueling race. Set in the Moroccan desert, around 600 competitors from 30 countries take part every year. Competitors carry all their equipment themselves and cook their own meals. Most competitors run for charity.
Where: Sahara Desert, Morocco
When: 26 March – 6 April (2009)
“Sniffing the Breeze” is a lovely name for a spring festival and that’s what Sham el Nessim literally means in Arabic. Egyptians celebrate Sham el Nessim by taking their families on picnics, and enjoying public parks and other green spaces. Salted fish, colored boiled eggs and green onions are the traditional foods eaten on this day. It is commonly believed that Egyptians have been celebrating this holiday for over 4000 years. It is traditionally held on the Monday following Coptic Easter.
Where: Egypt
When: April 20 (2009)
The Splashy Fen Music festival is one of South Africa’s longest running festivals. Musicians and artists from all over South Africa gather for a long weekend of cultural fun. This outdoor festival is held in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains.
Where: Spashy Fen, South Africa
When: 9 – 13 April (2009)
“Jazz in Carthage” is one of North Africa’s largest jazz festivals. Legendary Brazilian composer and singer, Gilberto Gil will open the festival on April 10, 2008. Other acts include Amar Sundy (Blues touareg), William Parker jazz band , Dhafer Youssef (Oriental jazz and mystical) and Gino Paoli (Italian jazz).
Where: Tunis, Tunisia
When: 9 – 19 April (2009)
5. Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Southern Africa’s biggest jazz festival is held annually in Cape Town, South Africa. Jazz legends from all over the world will perform for just two days at the convention center. More than 30,000 people attend, so advance ticket purchase is absolutely necessary.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 3 – 4 April (2009)
Botswana’s premier arts festival, the Maitisong Festival, is held annually. There’s theater, traditional music and dance, marimba bands, choirs and more. Street sellers provide the food and drink and the capital Gaborone takes on a festive atmosphere.
Where: Gaborone, Botswana
When: 16 March – 5 April (2009)
The Ethiopian Easter festival is called Fasika. This festival celebrates the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead after being crucified. During lent, Ethiopians fast for 55 days. Easter Sunday mass is a serious affair, which lasts several hours accompanied by prayers and music. Priests are dressed in their finest and people wear white cotton outfits. The fast is broken by eating meat slaughtered the previous evening, and there’s plenty of local brew (tella and tej) to keep things festive.
Where: Ethiopia
When: April 17 (Good Friday) – April 19 (Easter) (2009)
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