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GHANA MAP
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LIST OF SOME MAJOR FESTIVALS |
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January
Bugum Festival
Although the Bugum Festival was also linked with Islam, it has
become a major event on the traditional calendar too. It commemorates
the flight of Naiyul-Lah Mohammed from Mecca into exile in Medina
in AD658. The festival is celebrated in Dagbon, Gonja, Mamprusi
and Nanumba. The events begin withprocessions from neighbouring
villages. By nightfall, all the villagers converge at the Chief's
palace withlighted torches. Following special invocations by
the Chief, the ceremony illuminate the streets. Festive drumming
and dancing continue until the early hours of the morning.
 Edina
Buronya Festival
This is the native version of Christmas which is exclusively
celebrated by the people of Elmina (Edina) on the first Thursday
of the New Year. The festival was influenced by the Portuguese
settlers who celebrated a similar event every January. For the
people of Edina, it is a period of purification, sacrifices
to the gods, remembrance of the dead, and the welcoming of a
new year. Families pour libations and invite friends to participate
in dining, and merry-making, throughout the town.
Rice
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akpafu, in the Volta Region.
Kpini-Kyiu & Tenghana Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Wa & Tongu, in the Upper
East Region.
Danso Abaim &
Ntoa Fukokuese Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Techimentia & Nkoranza, in
the Brong Ahafo Region.
Apafram
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akwamu, in the Eastern Region.
February
Papa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region
Dzawuwu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dabala, in the Volta Region.
It is an Annual traditional and thanksgiving festival of the
Agave people.
March
Damba Festival
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed,
the festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than
Islamic tone. The two-day festival is full of pageantry and
showmanship and is celebrated in the towns of Dagbon, Gonjaland,
Mamprusiland and Nanumbaland.
Ngmayem
Festival
This is the annual traditional harvest and thanksgiving festival
of the Krobo people. It is celebrated in March-April by the
people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the towns of Krobo Odumase
and Somanya, in the Eastern Region.
Asikloe
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Anfoega, in the Volta Region.
Volo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akuse, In the Volta Region to
commemorate the end of the exodus of the Volo people from Togo,
forced to flee the tyranny of an impious ruler.
Lekoyi
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Likpe, in the Volta Region.
Kotokyikyi & Ogyapa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central
Region.
Kurubie Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Lalue Kpledo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Prampram, in the Greater Accra
Region.
Gologo Festival
This festival is celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug
just before the planting of grain. During the three-day festival,
sacrifices are offered to the gods for plentiful rain and good
harvest.
April
Bugum, Serpeemi & Wodomi Festivals
Occasions for the people of Krobo, in the Eastern Region to
assemble.
Dipo
A puberty festival by the people of Krobo (Somanya & Odumase),
in the Eastern Region when girls at adolescent age are initiated
into womanhood with a parade. The attire of the girls is close
to nudity.
May
 Aboakyir
(Deer Hunt) Festival
"Aboakyir" literally,
means "game hunting". This popular festival is celebrated
on the first Saturday of May by the chiefs and people of Winneba.
The festival begins with a competitive hunt between 2 traditional
warrior groups in a nearby game reserve, where each tries to
catch an antelope live. It is an adventurous event to test the
strength, bravery, determination and intuition of the 2 rival
groups. The winner presents the catch to the Paramount Chief
who sits in state with the sub-chiefs and subjects. The antelope
is sacrificed as an invocation for good harvest and a bountiful
fishing season. A durbar and procession of the chiefs and warrior
groups in their colouful regalia is the highlight of the celebrations.
Brass bands, dancing, performances of folklore and parties make
this an unforgettable event.
Formerly involved capturing a leopard barehanded, the toll on
human life eventually became so prohibitive that the divinity
to whom the leopard was sacrificed was beseeched to accept a
less dangerous substitute, and the leopard was replaced by an
antelope.
Beng Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sonyo Kipo, in the Northern Region
to honour the great fetish of the Gonja people.
Osudoku
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Asutsuare, in the Eastern Region
to mark the beginning of the year.
Donkyi
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Don Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga, in the Upper East
Region.
June
Asafua Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region
in purification of the divinity of Asafua.
Ahumkan
Festival
A celebration in which the local population of Akim-Kibi, in
the Eastern Region to reaffirm their loyalty to their chieftains.
Gyenprem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Fafo, in the Volta Region and
marked by a durbar of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest and
a year of peace.
Ahobaa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyan-Kakraba-Saltpond, in the
Central Region for obtaining the benediction of the ancestors.
Kete Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region
in honour of the Kete-Kyen fetish.
Ebisa
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region
in honour of the fetish of the same name.
Kli-Adzim
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region
in honour of the local divinity.
Ahoba
Kuma Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.
Apiba Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central
Region.
Nkyidwo (Monday Night)
A very important festival celebrated annually by the people
of Essumeja, in the Ashanti Region to commemorate their birth
or how their ancestors emerged one Monday night from a hole
in the ground followed by a dog and lion amid drumming, dancing
and other activities. The gods are invoked for blessing, protection
and prosperity of the people.
July
Bakatue Festival
Literally translated to mean "opening up of the Benya Lagoon
into the sea", Bakatue symbolizes the
beginning of a fishing season, which is the main livelihood
of the people of Elmina. It is celebrated annually in Elmina
on the first Tuesday in July and originated centuries ago, long
before the arrival of the Europeans. The splendid ceremonies
include a durbar of chiefs, a colouful regatta of canoes on
the Benya Lagoon and processions. A solemn "net casting"
ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new fishing season, and
the catch is offered to the deities of the traditional area.
You are invited to take part in the regatta and merry-making.
Bombei Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Ekyen Kofie Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Kuntum Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim, in the Central Region.
Wodomi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Manya Krobo, in the Eastern Region.
August
Asafotu-Fiam Festival
"Asafotufiam" is an annual warrior's festival celebrated
by the people of Ada, in the Greater Accra Region from the last
Thursday of July to the first weekend of August. It commemorates
the victories of the warriors in battle and those who fell on
the battlefield. To re-enact these historic events, the "warrior"
dresses in traditional battle dress and stage a mock battle.
This is also a time when the young men are introduced to warfare.
The festival also ushers in the harvest cycle, for this special
customs and ceremonies are performed. These include purification
ceremonies. The celebration reaches its climax in a durbar of
chiefs, a colouful procession of the Chiefs in palanquins with
their retinue. They are accompanied by traditional military
groups called "Asafo Companies" amidst drumming, singing
and dancing through the streets and on to the durbar grounds.
At the durbar, greetings are exchanged between the chiefs, libations
are poured and declarations of allegiance made.
Odambea
Festival
"Odambea" is celebrated on the
last Saturday of August by the "Nkusukum" chiefs and
people of the Saltpond Traditional Area. This event commemorates
the migration of the "Nkusukum" people centuries ago
from Techiman (500km away) to their present settlement. "Odambea"
means "fortified link", a name resulting from the
role played by the "Nkusukum" people in keeping the
migrant groups in touch with each other following their exodus
from Techiman. A special feature of the festival is the re-enactment
of the ancient life styles of the people, which will provide
you with a unique opportunity to learn more about how they migrated.
Ahoba Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.
Edim Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Equadoto Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Ayeldu-Cape-Coast, in the Central
Region in honour of their ancestors.
Homowo
Festival
This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of the Ga
Traditional Area, in the Greater Accra Region. It originated
from a period of great famine which was eventually followed
by a bumper harvest in grain and fish. Thus, the word "Homowo",
literally means "hooting at hunger". The main highlight
of this month-long festival is the special dish prepared from
ground corn, steamed and mixed with palm oil and eaten with
palmnut soup. Prayers for a peaceful and prosperous year are
offered. Each Ga chief is followed by a retinue with drumming,
dancing and singing through his area where he sprinkles some
of the special dish called "kpokpoi" and pours libation.
It is merry-making for Gas, and visitors in particular are invited
home to join in the feasting.
Apatwa
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dixcove, in the Western Region
(Lasts almost a month).
Awubia
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Awutu, in the Central Region
in memory of their dead.
Kundum
Festival
Kundum is celebrated from August to November by the Western
Region's coastal tribes, the Ahantas and Nzemas. Beginning in
August, the festival moves west from Takoradi to town after
town at weekly intervals. Rituals include purification of the
stools and prayers to the ancestors for a good harvest. Traditional
drumming and dancing feature prominently.
Afenorto
(Staying At Home)
This festival is celebrated annually by the people of Mepe,
in the Volta Region to take stock of their lives, strengthen
family and friendship bonds and pay homage to their ancestors
through pouring of libation and funeral obsequies. It is also
the period during which the people take stock of their lives
and plan for the future; when young men meet their future spouses
and pay homage to their ancestors through libations and undertake
development projects.
September
Fetu Afahye Festival
It is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September
by communities in the Cape Coast Traditional Area (Fetu). It
is characterized by a durbar of chiefs and processions of "Asafo
Companies" (traditional warrior groups) and numerous social
organisations. Every member of the group is adorned in rich
and colourful clothes, thus creating the grandeur of this festival
which literally means "adorning of new clothes". A
procession of the "7 Asafo Companies" in their unique
costumes depicts a fusion of the "Fante" and European
cultures, (typically, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish and British),
which have been sustained over many centuries. Customary rites
include the slaughter of a cow to the 77 Deities in the area
to obtain their blessings.
Nkronu
Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Shama/Beposo, in the Western
Region. A very colourful festival and it involves purification
of stools, prayer to ancestors for good harvest and long life.
Sometutuza Festival
Annual colourful festival of the "SOME" people of
Agbozume, in the Eastern Region to commemorate the exodus from
their original Home (Keta) and subsequent settlement at Agbozume.
Activities of the festival include a display (exhibition) of
different types of "Ewe Kente" cloth, traditional
and woven textile.
Akwambo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the
Central Region.
Ayerye Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the
Central Region.
Akyempem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agona, in the Ashanti Region.
Odwira Festival This festival is celebrated in most Akwapim
towns during the months of September and October, with the most
colourful festivities taking place at Akropong, Amanokrom and
Aburi, in the Eastern Region. During "Odwira", the
Chiefs sit in state and receive homage from the people.
The ceremonies include purification of the stools and performance
of traditional rites. Libations are poured to the gods for prosperity
and the general well-being of the people during the ensuing
year. Drumming and dancing accompany the celebration.
Kobine Festival
This post-harvest festival gives thanks to the gods for a bountiful
harvest. It is normally celebrated in the month of September
by the Dagaaba people in the Upper West Region. The 3-day festival
culminates in feasting and dancing.
October
Ohumkyire Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kibi, in the Eastern Region.
November
Fao Festival
a harvest festival by the inhabitants in honour of their gods
? Paga, Upper East Region
Agumatsa
Waterfalls Festival
This festival is celebrated in November by the people of the
Wli Traditional Area, in the Volta Region. They give thanks
to God for giving them the Wli Waterfalls, since its waters
are used for practically all domestic purposes. There is dancing
during the durbar, which usually starts at mid-day and officially
ends around 5:00pm.
Hogbetsotso
Festival
The "Anlo Ewes", an ethnic group on the eastern cost
(Volta Region) of Ghana, are believed to have settled in Notsie
in Togo when they first migrated from Southern Sudan. Legend
has it that they escaped from the tyrannical ruler of Notsie,
Ago-Koli, by walking backwards. In order to commemorate the
exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them
on the journey, the people created this annual "Festival
of the Exodus". There are many ceremonies associated with
the festival, including a peace-making period where all outstanding
problems are supposed to be resolved. This is a purification
ceremony of the traditional stool and a period of general cleaning
when the villages are swept and rubbish burnt. This cleaning
ceremony begins at the Volta Estuary and goes on for days until
it finally reaches the Mono River in the Republic of Benin.
An essential aspect of the festival is a durbar of chiefs and
the people. Chiefs dress in very colouful regalia and sit in
state to receive homage from their subjects. Dancing, singing
and general merry-making go on throughout the festival. The
main durbar always take place on the first Saturday of November
in Anloga, in the Volta Region.
Kwafie
Festival
The people of Dormaa Ahenkro, Berekum and Nsuatre, in the Brong
Ahafo Region celebrate the "Kwafie Festival" between
November and December. This events is celebrated in remembrance
of the ancestors and it is also meant as purification. Among
the many activities, the most interesting is the burning of
a large bonfire in the courtyard. The Dormaas are reputed to
have brought fire to Ghana and this legend is symbolically remembered
through this bonfire. A durbar is also held during which homage
is paid to the Paramount Chief by his sub-chiefs and subjects.
It is a period when all descendants of the original Dormaas
(who broke away from the Akwamus and migrated here) come home
to a grand reunion. Like Apoo, this festival fosters a spirit
of unity among the people. Highlights of the activities include
a pageant of the royal courts with drumming, dancing and a display
of the paraphernalia of the Chiefs.
Apoo
Festival
"Apoo" is celebrated in Techiman
and Wenchi, in the Brong Ahafo Region in November. It is a festival
for the purification of the people to rid them of social evil.
The festival lasts one week and includes a variety of recreational
cultural activity. It ends on the sixth day with the "Apoo"
procession, when insinuations are cast about the evil doings
of some of the citizens. Even the Chief is not spared. This
period is a time for family reunions and unity among the people.
You are welcome to join the festivities.
Sasabobirim
Festival
A week long annual festival of the people of Awuah Domase, in
the Brong Ahafo Region. It is celebrated in remembrance of their
brave chief who joined Yaa Asantewaa to fight the Europeans
in the early part of the 20th century.
December
Eiok Festival
The annual "Fiok Festival" is celebrated by the Builsas
of Sandema in December. This is a war festival which re-enacts
the ancient heroic exploits of the Builsas. Amid drumming and
dancing, the gods are invoked for protection and for a bountiful
harvest.
*Most villages and towns in the Volta and Eastern Regions use
Easter to celebrate festivals.
*Adae
and Akwasidae Festivals
The pomp and pageantry of the Ashanti kingdom is most vividly
brought to life during beautiful Adae festivals which are held
at the palace once every 6 weeks. These are occasions when the
King, riding in a palanquin and adorned with all his gold ornaments,
comes out to receive the homage of his sub-chiefs and people.
It is a spectacular sight to watch the colouful canopies and
umbrellas, the skillful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and
praise-singers at these regular festivals, held in honour of
their ancestral spirits. Time your visit to coincide with an
Akwasidae festival, (Sunday Adae). You can determine the Akwasidae
date by counting 6 weeks down the calendar from one Adae.
For example, in 1991 the dates are January 6, February 17, March
31, May 12, June 23, August 4, September 15 October 27, December
8.
OTHER FESTIVALS
AND OTHER CALENDAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
1. NAFAC (National Festival
Of Arts And Culture)
It is a biennial cultural show planned and executed by the National
Commission on Culture since 1992 in order to inculcate in the
youth, through dance, drama and traditional music, those positive
values that our Ghanaian or African Cultural heritage has bequeathed
to us. It is an attempt to preserve and pass on these values
to future generations. As a national event, it brings together
numerous cultural, music and dance groups from the districts
in all ten regions of Ghana for a friendly competition in traditional
music, dance and drama forms. The festival is usually held in
one of the regional capitals namely: Kumasi, Ashanti Region;
Accra, Greater Accra Region; Ho, Volta Region; Takoradi, Western
Region; Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region; Tamale, Northern Region;
Wa, Upper West Region; and Bolgatanga, Upper East Region.
For the tourist, it is not only a time for you to take as many
pictures of colourful traditional attire and costumes, it is
also a chance to experience the different life styles of Ghanaians
all over the country. Most tourist are welcome to take part
in any dance, music and drama.
NAFAC is indeed the only forum where Ghana unites to meet the
world. You cannot afford to miss it.
2.
PANAFEST (Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival)
It is a major biennial event designed as a cultural forum of
African and people of African descent as well as friends of
the African continent committed to the noble cause and development
of Pan-Africanism. PANAFEST takes its source in a paper written
in 1980 entitled "PROPOSALS FOR A HISTORICAL DRAMA FESTIVAL
IN CAPE COAST" by the late Mrs.. Efua Sutherland, one of
Ghana's most distinguished dramatists and Pan-Africanists.
In 1991 the idea gained root and took shape in an expanded form
as the Pan African Historical Theatre of the O.A.U. (Organisation
of African Unity), ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African
States), and the Republic of Ghana. Its main objectives are:
To re-establish the truth about the history of Africa and the
experience of its people using the vehicle of African performances.
To provide a forum to promote unity between Africans on the
continent and those in the diaspora.
To affirm the common heritage of Blacks all over the world as
well as define their contribution towards the development of
Africa. Dance, music, Art, Drama and other cultural groups from
all over Africa, the U.K., U.S.A. and the Caribbean take turns
to perform to fans. Symposia and lectures are also held to discuss
development issues. The main venue of PANAFEST is Cape Coast/Elmina,
Accra and Kumasi.
3. Miss Ghana
A Beauty Pageant dubbed "The Embassy Pleasure" organised
for local young women as part of a selection measure towards
participation in "Miss World" competitions. It is
held throughout the ten regions of Ghana where two contestants
each are selected for the finals later on at the National level
in Accra. Contestants at both the regional and national levels
are taken through a series of drills including local music,
dance, drama, speech and body shape screening where marks are
awarded. At the finals, there are always local renowned musicians
to perform during interludes. Most finals are held at either
the National Theatre or the Accra International Conference Centre.
4. Concert Party
"The
Key Soap Concert Party Show" as it is popularly known,
is sponsored by Unilever Ghana Limited, manufacturers of "Key
Soap" (bar soap for washing and bathing), and is a family
entertainment event.
5. Fun World
It is a variety entertainment show by kids and for kids. It
is usually held at the National Theatre on selected Saturdays
and draws participants from the primary, Junior Secondary School,
Senior Secondary School and other youth groups. Participants
take turns to perform in music where they imitate renowned musicians
like Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, Michael Jackson and older concert
men like Bob Okala and "Waterproof". It is basically
a children's affair.
For a complete list of other cultural events which take place
throughout the year, please contact the Ghana Tourist Board.
The dates for some festivals vary, so the Tourist Board will
be happy to keep you informed.
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