African Festivals and Events in July include cultural festivals in Zanzibar, Morocco and South Africa as well as a wine extravaganza in Stellenbosch and an Agricultural show in Lusaka, Zambia. Find out more about the major events taking place in Africa this month by clicking on the links below.
1. National Arts Festival
With over 600 performances including techno music and ballet, Grahamstown transforms into a riot of creativity for 11 glorious days every late June. The "fringe" festival is as exciting as the main event drawing troupes and groups from all over South Africa. Where: Grahamstown, South Africa
When: 2 - 11 July (2009)
2. Festival of the Dhow Countries
This festival is East Africa's premier cultural event and it takes place annually on the historic island of Zanzibar. You can enjoy music, arts, literature, film and more, from all over Africa and countries bordering the Indian ocean. The theme of the festival this year is "Enduring Links: Media, People and Environment". Dhow races do in fact take place throughout the festival (in case you were wondering). An excellent tour is available through Zanzibar Festival Tours based out of Canada.If you can't make this festival, Zanzibar hosts another cultural festival in February -- "Sauti Za Busara", that is becoming increasingly popular.
3. International Festival of Carthage, Tunisia
The International Festival of Carthage is an annual international arts festival, with lots of fusion between local, more traditional forms of music and dance as well as more mainstream, international styles. Particular examples include forms of Tunisian music mixed with jazz. This festival is one of Africa's oldest and most established arts festival. Many musical acts perform in Carthage's ancient Roman amphitheater, a truly dramatic setting.4. Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival attracts folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Since 2000 the festival has also attracted many artists and entertainers from Europe and Asia. The main events take place in the ruins of the 16 century Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna (main town square). Not to be missed, outside the city walls at night, is the Fantasia. A horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing.5. Zambian Agricultural 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. 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)
7. 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)
