5 Shocking Information About Festivals In Africa

Introduction

The continent of Africa is filled with wealthy historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence. However do you know that it’s additionally residence to some wonderful festivals? From music festivals in South Africa to artwork festivals in Morocco, listed below are 5 enjoyable information about African festivals which may shock you:

There are extra festivals in Africa than you’ll be able to think about.

You may be stunned to study that there are millions of festivals in Africa. Some festivals are small and final solely a day or two, whereas others can go on for weeks. Some are held yearly, whereas others solely come round as soon as each few years. After which there are these festivals that entice hundreds of individuals from all around the world annually–these occasions usually embody music concert events, artwork exhibitions and competitions (assume: Miss World), sporting occasions (assume: FIFA World Cup), non secular ceremonies (assume: Hajj pilgrimage) and even royal weddings!

Festivals provide us a chance to expertise new issues by bringing collectively individuals with various backgrounds who share widespread pursuits by way of meals tasting classes at avenue stalls heaving with scrumptious treats like grilled meat skewers served with spicy peanut sauce; dancing till late into the night time below twinkling lights strung throughout tree branches above your head; collaborating in artistic workshops the place you get messy making one thing lovely out of clay…the record goes on!

Festivals have a good time the whole lot from meals and dance to artwork and music.

Festivals in Africa have a good time the whole lot from meals and dance to artwork and music. They’re usually tied to the harvest, or the seasons, or gods and goddesses. They may also be a celebration of delivery–just like the pageant of Emancipation Day in Jamaica the place youngsters born on that day are celebrated as “born free.”

A couple of stunning information about African festivals:

Festivals are sometimes held outdoor as a result of most African cultures don’t have buildings massive sufficient to carry everybody who needs to attend (or a minimum of not sufficient buildings). Which means festivals occur year-round! You would possibly assume this might get scorching however since most individuals reside close to our bodies of water like lakes or rivers they’ll cool off by swimming throughout breaks between performances. (Plus there’s all the time shade.)
The very first thing you’ll discover when attending an African pageant is how a lot meals there’s! It is smart since most Africans develop their very own crops so there’ll all the time be one thing scrumptious for everybody at these occasions–and often a lot left over for later meals as properly).

Festivals have a wealthy historical past in African tradition.

Festivals have a wealthy historical past in African tradition. They’re a technique to have a good time and honor the previous, keep in mind cultural heritage, carry individuals collectively and categorical pleasure, happiness and gratitude.

Festivals happen all year long on completely different days relying on which space you reside in. Some are celebrated by one tribe or ethnic group whereas different festivals could also be celebrated by many alternative tribes or ethnic teams throughout Africa.

A few of these festivals are so massive, they make Coachella appear like a yard BBQ.

The most important festivals in Africa entice tons of of hundreds of individuals over the course of an extended weekend. Some even run over a number of weeks! The most important one takes place on an infinite stretch of land exterior Cape City known as Oppikoppi. It’s been going since 1992 and attracts greater than 100 000 attendees annually (that’s about as many individuals who attended Coachella 2017). Different festivals embody Splashy Fen in Zambia and Solar Metropolis Music Competition in South Africa–each are recognized for his or her eclectic lineups that embody native artists alongside worldwide headliners like Drake and Florence + The Machine.

Some festivals have a novel goal and story behind them, however the message is all the time the identical – come collectively and have a good time!

Festivals are a good way to get to know the native tradition, individuals and historical past. They may also be a wonderful alternative to study native traditions and customs that you could be not know a lot about in any other case.

For instance, do you know that Africa has its personal model of Mardi Gras? It’s known as Shangaan New 12 months and it takes place yearly in Durban, South Africa. It’s an enormous occasion with numerous dancing and partying till daybreak!

There are many causes to journey to Africa for considered one of its many festivals, so get packing!

Festivals are an excellent alternative to expertise Africa’s tradition. They’re additionally a good way to attach with its individuals and benefit from the meals, drink and music of the world.

In truth, many festivals have develop into so widespread that they’ve develop into a part of an annual calendar for locals–an opportunity to assemble collectively as a group and have a good time their heritage in type!

Conclusion

There are such a lot of wonderful festivals in Africa, they usually’re not simply price going to as a result of they’re enjoyable. Additionally they give you a chance to study extra in regards to the tradition, historical past and other people of every nation. If you wish to expertise one thing completely different than Coachella or Burning Man, then take a look at these 5 wonderful festivals under!