Here are our picks from the African calendar this quarter.

History

27 SEPTEMBER:  MESKEL, ETHIOPIA
Join Ethiopians in the centuries-old commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (Saint Helena). Reflecting the belief that she found the cross in the 4th century by following the smoke of a massive bonfire, this celebration sees a pyre, or demera, erected in most cities. After being topped with a cross and laden with Meskel daisies, the demera is blessed before being lit. Crowds then dance and sing around the rising flames. Afterwards, the faithful take charcoal from the fire’s remains and mark their foreheads with the shape of a cross. These celebrations are particularly grand in Addis Ababa, Gonder and Aksum. 

Culture
20-21 AUGUST: KURU SAN DANCE FESTIVAL, D’KAR, BOTSWANA
Celebrating the traditional dance style of Botswana’s first people – the San, Bushmen or Basarwa – this festival takes place at the Kuru Development Trust in D’Kar, some 35km north of Ghanzi. Those taking part have travelled across the Kalahari Desert, not only from Botswana, but also Namibia and South Africa. Once together in D’Kar, they unite in song, dance and play. Although the festival’s main purpose is to foster the San’s faith in their own traditional culture, it is hoped that it also encourages respect for different cultures through the sharing of the local traditions. 

Music & The Arts

16-24 JULY:  FESTIVAL NATIONAL DES ARTS POPULAIRES, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Initiated in 1959 by His Majesty King Mohammed V, the Festival National des Arts Populaires attracts singers, dancers, musicians and poets from across Morocco. While designed to inspire Morocco’s youth to carry on age-old traditions, it certainly delights those who travel to Marrakech to take it all in. For more information, visit www.marrakechfestival.com

Wildlife

24-28 SEPTEMBER:  HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL, HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA
Touted as the only enviro-arts festival in South Africa, the Hermanus Whale Festival is held each year to celebrate the return of southern right whales to the waters of Walker Bay. Also in store for visitors are performances of music, comedy and cabaret. For more details, visit www.whalefestival.co.za

Activity

JULY-AUGUST:  HIKING THE RWENZORIS, UGANDA
Although a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding natural beauty and its biodiversity, the Rwenzori Mountains of western Uganda are still one of Africa’s most underrated hiking destinations. With ample annual rainfall – Rwenzori translates to ‘rainmaker’ – being the only dampener, those interested in hiking its lush slopes should take advantage of the decreased rainfall in July and August to explore.