If you’re at all interested in West African music and culture, then Mali is right the destination. Two internationally acclaimed festivals will take place this January, one along the banks of the mighty River Niger and the other in the middle of the Sahara desert.
Other festivals include a Minstrel Carnival in Cape Town; Amazigh New Year celebrations in North Africa; and the Epiphany is celebrated in Ethiopia. This year, the annual Dakar Rally is being held in South Africa.
1. Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
It’s summer in Cape Town and the New Year is celebrated in great raucous style in the form of a carnival. The parades are huge flamboyant affairs with grand costumes, wonderful marching bands, singing, dancing and more. Needless to say, few Capetonians make it to work on the 2nd of January. Held in Cape Town, South Africa, 31 December – 2 January (2008/9).
2. Festival-au-Desert
Three days of traditional Touareg art, music and dance takes place in Essakane, 2 hours from Timbuktu, Mali. International acts from Europe and West Africa round out the festivities. Everyone camps in the desert with their camels close at hand. A truly unique cultural event that is well worth the trek. Held in Essakane, Mali, 8 – 10 January (2009)
3. Amazigh New Year, North Africa
New Year’s eve is actually celebrated on the 12th January in the Maghreb region. The Amazigh people of North Africa will celebrate their own New Year for the 2,959th time in accordance with the Julian calendar. Families come together to enjoy steaming plates of chicken and couscous and welcome the New Year. For some Amazigh, it is essential not to eat spicy or bitter food so those will not be the flavours for the year ahead. Held in Maghreb Region, North Africa, 12 January (annual)
4. Timket Festival, Feast of Epiphany
Music food and processions mark Ethiopia’s biggest festival. The origin of the Feast of Epiphany dates back over 1000 years and once the ceremonials are over it’s time to shake your hips and join in the vigorous dancing. The best places to enjoy the festival are Gondar, Lalibela and Addis Ababa. Held in Ethiopia, 19 January (2009)
Other articles you might like;
- Italy is Famous with the Food
- England is a Dream Country
- The Romance of Paris
- The Beauty of Holland
- Singapore The Fine City
Related posts:
Save Bucks
Europe Hotel
Travel
Accommodation for
Cheap Accommodation