African Festivals and Events in June include several music festivals in Morocco; a cultural festival in South Africa; and a Roots Festival in the Gambia.
1. Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, Senegal
St Louis Jazz Festival Poster
The Saint Louis Jazz Festival is held annually in the colorful town of Saint Louis in Senegal. Jazz legends from all over the world come together to play in various venues throughout the town. Past musicians who took part in the festival include Herbie Hancock, Randy Weston, and Joe Zainul. The festival is also an excellent platform for new jazz groups to perform in front of an international audience. At least 30 new groups perform each year. If you're interested in a tour that includes the festival, click here.
Where: Saint-Louis, Senegal
When: May 24 - 28(2012) (sometimes held in June)
2. The Royal Show
An agricultural event that has been held for 150 years, the Royal Show is one of South Africa's biggest annual events. Not only do you get to see over 1400 examples of Southern Africa's best livestock but there are also traditional dances, music concerts and a motor bike extravaganza.
Where: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
When: 25 May - 3 June (2012)
3. Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
This wonderful spiritual festival, held annually in Fes, allows you to bump into whirling dervishes from Iran as well as mystics, chanters and dancers from all around the world. A festival celebrating the local culture of Fes is held concurrently. Both festivals allow visitors a wonderful insight into traditional life in the old walled city. Sip some mint tea, enjoy sufi chanting and of course all that delicious Moroccan food.
Where: Fes, Morocco
When: 8 - 16 June (2012)
4. Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival
A music festival based on the traditions of Gnawa music has grown to include musicians from all over the world. This successful annual festival has been around for a decade and venues are dotted all around the picturesque town of Essaouira. Here's a tour if you would like to join in the fun as a group. Gnawa music is a combination of acrobatic dancing as well as music. Its origins lie in a unique mixture of Berber, African and Arabic songs, religious rites and dance.
Where: Essaouira, Morocco
When: June 21 - 24 (2012)
5. 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.6. 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: 28 June - 8 July (2012)
7. The Sardine Run
Getty Images/Junko Kimura
Where: Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
When: Annual -- mid June - beginning August
