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.
Find out more about all these festivals and events below; click the festival and events headings to get more information.
1. The Marathon Des Sables
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: 27 March - 7 April (2008)
2. Sham el Nessim
"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 28 (2008)
3. Jazz in Carthage
"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: 10 - 20 April (2008)
4. Maitisong Festival
Botswana's premier arts festival, the Maitisong Festival, is held annually. There's theatre, 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: 4 - 12 April (2008)
5. Fasika (Easter)
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 25 (Good Friday) - April 27 (Easter) (2008)
