With 54 Countries and Countless different cultures, Africa is home to some annual events and festivals. Some of these festivals are influenced by religion and culture, and it offers visitors the opportunity to understand the beliefs upon which a county’s culture is built. Below are some of the best annual events and festivals in Africa we should all look out for.

·        Eid al- Fitr

Eid al- Fitr is a religious holiday observed by Muslim communities across the African continent. It celebrates the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The Eid al- Fitr is always held on the first day of the month of Shawwal, the start of each Islamic month depends on lunar sightings and therefore, the calendar date changes from year to year. Regardless of when it falls, the festival is celebrated with prayer, feast, charity and family reunions.

·        Zanzibar International Film Festival, Tanzania

Zanzibar International Film Festival is East Africa’s premier multidisciplinary cultural event and takes place annually on the historic island of Zanzibar. It was established in 1997. During the nine days, you can enjoy art exhibitions, concerts, reading and other crafts that showcase the best talent from Africa. It is celebrated in July.

·        Cape Town International Jazz Festival, South Africa

This is South Africa’s biggest Jazz Festival held annually in Cape Town. The first one was held in 2000 to 2005 and is recognized as the fourth largest Jazz festival and in the world and the biggest Jazz festival on the African Continent. Jazz legends from all over the world grace this event with their music performance for two days at the city’s International Convention Centre. This festival attracts more than 36,000 people and tickets must be booked in advance. It is celebrated in March or April.

·        Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, Morocco

The Fez festival is an annual music festival that is held for a week in Fez, Morocco. It was first held in 1994. It hosts musicians and dancers all over the world. This festival is held for nine days, and it is mostly celebrated in June. The performance takes place outside, in the city’S ……….. Gardens or in the historic plaza in front of the Royal Palace. In addition to the scheduled performances, expect an abundance of delicious Moroccan street food.

·        Timkat, Ethiopia

Timkat celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the hands of John Baptist in the River Jordan. It occurs in Gondar on the 18th of January to the 20th. The festival is one of the biggest celebrations on the Ethiopian calendar. The three-day festival is held in towns and cities across the country. Thousands of pilgrims dressed in white robes accompany a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from the city’s churches to the royal bathing pool known as fasiladas’ Bath. At the pool, baptism vows are taken after the water is blessed. The rest of the festival is dedicated to feasting and dancing.