African Festivals and Events in May include a fragrant Rose festival in Morocco and a hunting feast in Ghana. A film festival in Uganda will keep the video halls packed in Kampala. All the events are kicked off with International Labor Day on the 1st of May, which is a national holiday in most African countries.
Find out more by clicking the headings below.
1. International Labour Day
International Labour Day (or May Day) on the 1st of May is widely celebrated throughout Africa with most government offices closing down for the day. Some countries have parades and marches commemorating workers.
Where: All over Africa
When: 1 May
2. Pink Loerie Mardi Gras
One of South Africa's premier gay events is this 4 day festival held in Knysna a town in the beautiful Garden Route. Music, art exhibits, cabaret shows, good food and a grand parade mark the exuberant festivities.
Where: Knysna, South Africa
When: 30 April - 3 May (2009)
3. Addo Elephant Marathon
SA Tourism
Extreme marathon running is becoming quite popular, after all who wouldn't want to run alongside (or away from) lions and elephants on a sunny day in May? This is the fourth Addo Elephant marathon, which is held in a beautiful national wildlife park near Port Elizabeth in South Africa. There are two runs, a 50 mile and a 100 mile run, both require extreme fitness since most of the running takes place on dirt trails through the African bush.
Where: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
When: 2 May (2009)
4. Aboakyer Festival
A popular game hunting festival in central Ghana, the Aboakyer Festival used to involve hunting for leopard but the death toll was too great, and the tribe members opted for hunting bushbuck (an antelope) instead. The festival includes traditional dancing, hunting, colorful processions, brass bands and more.
Where: Central Region, Ghana
When: 2 May (2009)
5. The Rose Festival, Morocco
In the Dades Valley in Morocco a small oasis town Kelaa-des-Mgouna is home to Morocco's largest rose water distillery plant. The entire town is fragrant and the spectacular harvest in May is celebrated with song and dance.
Where: Kelaa-des-Mgouna, Morocco
When: 14 - 27 May (2009)
6. Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, Senegal
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, SenegalWhen: 28 - 31 May (2009)
7. 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: 22 - 31 May (2009)
8. Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, Morocco
Sjaak Zijlma
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.
