February Festivals and Events in Africa include Africa's biggest film festival in Burkina Faso; religious celebrations in Mauritius; a gay pride parade in South Africa; music festivals in Zanzibar and Mali.
See below for when and where these festivals are taking place. Click on the headings to go directly to the festival web sites.
1. Festival on the Niger
This cultural festival celebrates the music and traditions of the Segou region with several well known West African artists invited as special guests. There are also arts and crafts expositions (textiles, pottery, sculpture, jewelry), traditional dance troupes and puppet troupes, as well as pirogue races on the Niger river. This year (2008) the festival's theme is to celebrate the history and architecture of this fascinating region of Mali. Where: Segou, Mali
When: 29 January - 1 February (2009)
2. Cavadee
Cavadee is a colorful religious festival celebrated by the Tamil Hindu population in Mauritius. Devotees fast for ten days before the festival and then carry large replicas of temples and deities to the rivers to be cleansed and blessed by priests. An eye catching feature of the celebration is the piercings that many devotees undergo to show their devotion to the son of Shiva. Ears, nipples, tongues and cheeks are pierced with all kinds of sharp objects. Where: Mauritius
When: 8 February, 2009
3. Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) Swahili Music Festival
Busara Music
This five-day festival showcases regional music, theatre and dance. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in celebration of the wealth and variety of Swahili culture. If your interested in a tour that includes the festival click here.
Where: Stonetown and Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar ,Tanzania
When: 12 - 17 February (2009)
4. Cape Town Pride
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)
5. FESPACO - Film Festival
Fespaco 2007
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)
