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.
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
Harare International Festival of Arts
One of Africa's best cultural festivals, Harare's International Festival of Arts, attracts performers from all over the globe. There's dance, music, plays, spoken word and more. Given the economic climate in Zimbabwe its not easy to pull off a successful festival, but they do it every year. The 2009 festival was a resounding success.
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: 1 - 5 May (2013)
Saint Louis Jazz Festival (St Louis, Senegal)
St Louis Jazz Festival Poster
Where: Saint-Louis, Senegal
When: May 16 - 19 (2013) (sometimes held in June)
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: 4 May (2013)
The Good Food and Wine Show - Cape Town
The Good Food and Wine Show comes to Cape Town once a year. Celebrity chefs will be working their magic at the state-of-the-art kitchens in Cape Town's International Convention Center. You can taste, watch and learn from the gourmet experts at hand.
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
When: 23 - 26 May (2013)
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: Mid May (2013)
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: 24 May - 2 June (2013)
