Music & Religious Festivals in Africa
Tim Best Travel has been sending clients over the past few years to a range of colourful religious festivals and music festivals in Africa, Latin America and India.
From the upbeat music festivals of Morocco and Mali, to the celebrations of the religious festivals in Ethiopia, and the colours of Jodhpur, we have found festivals provide a wonderful opportunity to truly get 'off the beaten track' and experience a country's culture.
Please click on one of the festival names below for further information.
Timkat FestivalJanuary - Ethiopia
Timkat is the most important festival in the Ethiopian calendar. Known as the Ethiopian Epiphany, it marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. On 19 January, Ethiopian Christians celebrate His baptism at the festival of Timkat.
Festival in the DesertJanuary - Mali
Each year, Tuareg caravans from all corners of the Sahara desert - Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania - reunite near Timbuktoo for the annual music Festival in the Desert in Essakane.
Festival on the NigerFebruary - Mali
The festival takes place in early February. There will be regional music & dance, local arts & crafts as well as well known Malian artists including Oumou Sangare, Papa Gaoussou Diarra & Mama Sissoko.
Sauti za Busara FestivalFebruary - Tanzania
Sauti za Busara is Swahili for "Sounds of Wisdom". Set on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar, the old Stone Town is host to this 4 day festival of Swahili music, theatre and dance, African rap & hip hop artists.
Jazz in the RiadsMarch - Morocco
Fes has been the capital and is perhaps the most interesting and picturesque of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. An increasingly popular tourist destination, many traditional houses, known as riads and dars have been restored to their former glory.
Fes Sacred Music FestivalJune - Morocco
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the ancient walled city of Fes, the festival brings together the spiritual music of religions worldwide. Established 10 years ago to highlight the beauty of all faiths and cultures.
Meskal FestivalOctober - Ethiopia
The annual Meskal Festival, is a huge feast celebrating the legendary finding of the True Cross on which Christ is said to have been crucified. It takes place at the end of the rains when the country is looking lush and beautiful.
Ghadames FestivalOctober - Libya
The annual Ghadames festival is a colourful event with performances of traditional song & dance. Ghadames is one of the great trading towns on the centuries old Saharan caravan route.
Rajasthan International Folk FestivalOctober - Northern India
High above the surrounding desert landscape, Mehrangarh Fort, normally closed to visitors after nightfall, opens its doors for four nights in October for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival.
Hidar Zion St Mary of AxumNovember - Ethiopia
A Joyous annual pilgrimage by tens of thousands of people, "Hidar Zion" is celebrates presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Axum, "...the sacred city of the Ethiopians.", and the belief that the Ark itself is a symbol of The Virgin Mary's womb.
