African Festivals and Events in June are listed below. Click on the headings for more information.
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. Roots Festival
The Roots Festival held in the Gambia is an event targeting people of African descent to return to the homeland for a week of culture, education and fun. There are workshops, music, dance and many events celebrating West African culture today, as well as events which revisit the history of the slave-trade. Where: The Gambia
When: Every other year (June 2010)
2. 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.3. 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.4. Festival of the Dhow Countries, Zanzibar
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.
