The living guide to Africa's celebrations
Africa's festivals, kept alive by the people who live them.
When each one happens, what to expect, and the music, food and meaning behind it. One place to discover a celebration, and plan to be there.
99festivals
41countries
Kept current by the community
In the spotlight
🥁 Cultural & heritage
Lamu Cultural Festival
🇰🇪 Kenya
Swahili culture celebration that focuses on preserving endangered maritime technologies, vernacular architecture, and regional performing arts.
Explore this festival →
Happening soon
The next celebrations on the continent's calendar.
20
Aug
Isese Day
🇳🇬 Nigeria · Cultural & heritage
20
Aug
Twin Festival
🇺🇬 Uganda · Cultural & heritage
20
Aug
Gadao Festival
🇹🇬 Togo · Cultural & heritage
22
Aug
Ashenda
🇪🇹 Ethiopia · Cultural & heritage
25
Aug
Mbarara Cultural Festival
🇺🇬 Uganda · Cultural & heritage
31
Aug
Camel Derby Festival
🇰🇪 Kenya · Cultural & heritage
#97
🥁
Jun
Kenya
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
Celebration of northern Kenya's ethnic diversity
📅 Jun
⏳ 3 days
Needs a local's update
🏆 Top 10 Festival in Kenya
#98
🥁
Dec
Kenya
Maragoli Cultural Festival
Annual celebration of Maragoli culture
📅 Dec
⏳ 2 days
Needs a local's update
🏆 Top 10 Festival in Kenya
#99
🥁
Aug
Kenya
Camel Derby Festival
Annual camel racing event in Maralal
📅 Aug
⏳ 3 days
Needs a local's update
🏆 Top 10 Festival in Kenya
Kept current, not frozen. Members confirm dates and flag changes as festivals move year to year.
Reviewed, not scraped. Every addition and edit is checked before it goes live.
From the people who live them. Detail comes from the communities that celebrate.
Know a festival better than we do?
This guide is only as alive as the people keeping it current. If a celebration from your community is missing, or its details have moved on, help the continent find it, and get credited for it.
Add or improve a festival
Free · Reviewed before publishing · You're credited
Frequently asked questions
What is Lughayangu Festivals?
A living guide to festivals across Africa: when each one happens, what to expect, and the music, food, dress and meaning behind it. Every festival is kept current by a community that includes the people who celebrate them.
How current is the information?
Festivals shift year to year, so members confirm dates, flag changes and add detail continuously, and every change is reviewed before it goes live. That's what keeps this more accurate than a static list.
Can I plan a trip around a festival?
Yes. Each festival page shows its next date, how long it runs, where it's held and what happens, with an add-to-calendar option so you can plan around it.
Are these the same as public holidays?
No. Festivals are cultural celebrations, kept separate from statutory public holidays. Many aren't days off, and many move each year. You can explore official holidays in our Holidays section.
Is it free?
Yes, browsing African festivals on Lughayangu is completely free, and contributing is open to any registered member.