One of the most grueling marathons in the world will take place in Morocco at the end of March. Competitors run for about 6 days covering a distance of 150 miles in the Moroccan Sahara. Runners face extreme temperatures, difficult running conditions and to top it off, they carry their food, medical equipment and sleeping bags on their backs.
The Marathon des Sables is now in its 24th year and for some mysterious reason keeps getting more and more popular. Hundreds of runners compete from all over the the world, but its the Moroccan runners who have had by far the most victories in past races. Surprisingly there have been only two fatalities in the history of this race. Which is a much better record than the extreme desert marathon on wheels, the Dakar Rally.
March Festivals and Events in Africa include a grueling marathon in the Sahara desert; Africa’s largest film festival in Burkina Faso; a colorful spring festival in Mauritius, a guitar festival in Tunisia and a music festival in South Africa.
Find out more about when and where these festivals are happening below, and click on the headings to get to the official festival web sites.
One of South Africa’s biggest gay events; a 10 day extravaganza celebrating gay pride and diversity. A giant parade on the second Saturday is the focal point amidst many parties, art shows and fashion shows.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 19 February – 1 March (2009)
The Panafrican Film and TV Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is Africa’s largest film festival. FESPACO’s theme for 2009 is “African cinema: tourism and cultural heritage”. The festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Where: Ougadougou, Burkina Faso
When: 28 February – 7 March (2009)
Does this city ever sleep? Not in the summer apparently. The Cape Town Festival will fill every arts and culture venue in the city. Performing artists and youth from around the globe will be sharing their music, dance, poetry, comedy and theater.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 20 March – 22 March (2009)
4. Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival of color celebrated in great style in Mauritius. This has always been my favorite Hindu holiday. Basically you have license to spray any passer-by with colorful dyes from head to toe. It’s a wonderful way to welcome the spring.
Where: Mauritius
When: 11 March (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: 20 – 24 March (2009)
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)
7. Mediterranean Guitar Festival
This is the 6th year for this successful Mediterranean guitar festival which features guitarists from all over the world. The festival was inspired by Tunisian fans of the legendary Django Reinhardt.
Where: Tunis, Tunisia
When: March (annual)
Related posts:
- Africa’s Festivals in April
- Africa’s Festivals in January
- December festival and events in Africa
- Top Africa Travel Destinations for 2009
- South Africa?s Top 10 Things To Do (2)
- South Africa’s Top Attractions
- Africa Culinary Tours (Part-2)
- More fun in Africa Travels (2)
- Hermanus
- Dakar Rally in 2009
Tags: Africa's Festivals, Africa's Festivals in March, Cape Town Festival, Cape Town Pride, FESPACO Film Festival, Holi, Marathon des Sables, March Africa Festivals, Mediterranean Guitar Festival, Splashy Fen Music Festival
