August Festivals and Events in Africa include wine festivals in South Africa; a harvest festival in Ghana; a marriage festival in Morocco; a fashion show in Cape Town and a Camel Derby in Kenya. Find out more about each of these events below and click on the headings to get directly to the festival web sites.
1. Ramadan
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Every devout Muslim fasts for 30 days during Ramadan. No food or drink should pass the lips from sunrise to sundown. Travelers who fast along with their Muslim friends during this time are much appreciated. Tempers may be short during Ramadan so try and be as culturally sensitive as possible. The end of Ramadan is marked by the festival of Eid and celebrations last for several days. Find out more about traveling to Africa during Ramadan...
Where: Throughout Africa
When: 21 August - 19 September (2009)
2. Tunisian Festivals
Tunisia becomes a cornucopia of festivals during the summer months and August is simply buzzing with cultural events, music, dance and film often set romantically in Roman amphitheatres throughout the country.
- The International Festival of Carthage: From 11 July - 31 August (2009) in Carthage
- The International Festival of Hammamet: July - August (2009) in Hammamet
- International Festival of Sousse: From July - August (2009), Sousse
- International Festival of Bizerta: From July - August (2009), Bizerte
- International Festival of Dougga: From July - August (2009) at the Roman amphitheater in Dougga
- International Festival of Symphonic Music: from July - August (2009) El Djem
3. Durban International Film Festival
The Durban International Film Festival is 29 years old and it continues to showcase the best movies South Africa has produced in the past year. The film festival is celebrating African cinema this year including shorts and documentaries from all over the continent. The festivals will also be premiering films from all over the world, for the first time in South Africa. Over 300 screenings will be showcased at 22 venues across the Durban district. Where: Durban, South Africa
When: 22 July - 2 August (2009)
4. Stellenbosch Wine Festival
Sample over 500 wines and chase those winter blues away at the Stellenbosch Wine festival in South Africa's premier wine-producing region. Added attractions include music, wine tasting lessons, fun for the kids and shuttle buses to and from Cape Town so you don't have to drive. Where: Stellenbosch, South AfricaWhen: 30 July - 2 August (2009)
5. Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show
Personally I love agricultural shows, but if admiring the perfect bovine isn't your cup of tea, this event is still worth visiting. The music and performing arts that accompany the poultry and tractors is first rate. Where: Lusaka, Zambia
When: 30 July - 3 August (2009)
6. InterRegional Festival of Music Crossroads Southern Africa
Young musicians from Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe gather in Harare to compete in this international music competition. Past winners have seen a huge boost in their musical careers and have played at venues across the globe. You'll get to enjoy music of all styles, including ethnic/traditional, pop, rock, hip-hop and all imaginable mergers in between. Where: Livingstone, Zambia
When: 7 - 10 August (2009)
7. Maralal International Camel Derby
The Maralal Camel Derby started as a fun event thrown by Yare Safaris to promote this little known gem of a place, Maralal, in Northern Kenya. The Camel Derby also sought to raise awareness of the camel, its habitat and the people who live there -- the Samburu. The derby is now an international event attracting contestants from all over the globe. Most people choose to camp, and bring the kids to enjoy cycling, horse riding and more. Where: Maralal, Kenya
When: August (2009)
8. Cape Town Fashion Week
Enjoy a week of fashion in Cape Town this August. Models will be showing off the latest trends from around the world. This fashion event is open to the public and includes runway shows, seminars and more. Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 19 - 22 August (2009)
9. Hermanus Wine and Food Fair
If combining great food, wine and a spot of whale-watching sounds as enticing to you as it does to me, then head to Hermanus this August. The event attracts South Africa's best wine producers as well as its best olive and cheese farmers. Where: Hermanus, South Africa
When: 7 - 9 August (2009)
10. Imilchil Marriage Festival
The Imilchil Marriage Feast is a Berber marriage festival where up to forty couples tie the knot. It takes place in Imilchil in the Middle-High Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. The festival is a great way to experience Berber culture including music and dance. Where: Imilchil (near Marrakech), Morocco
When: August/September (2009)
11. Homowo Festival
The Homowo festival is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga tribe in Ghana. According to Reverend Peter Addo, "the word "Homowo" actually means 'making fun of hunger.' Ga traditional oral history describes a time long ago when the rains stopped and the sea closed its gates. A deadly famine spread throughout the southern Accra Plains, the home of the Ga people. When the harvest finally arrived and food became plentiful, the people were so happy that they celebrated with a festival that ridiculed hunger." Ga people from all over the country return home for a week in August to celebrate the festival with their families. Where: Southeast coast, Ghana
When: August (The date is determined by Chief Priests after they consult with Oracles)
