FESTAC, short for the Festival of African Arts and Culture, is back for its 5th edition in 2024, bringing together the best of African culture, arts, and traditions. This year, the event will be held in Kisumu, Kenya, from August 25th to September 1st, under the theme “Sustainable Growth Trajectory for Africa Through Culture, Trade, Travel, & Tourism.” Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated festival.
A Historic Celebration
FESTAC has deep roots in African history, dating back to 1966 in Dakar. However, the most notable edition occurred in 1977 in Lagos, Nigeria, where it attracted participants from over 60 countries and drew approximately 16,000 people. The 2024 edition seeks to emulate the legacy of FESTAC ’77 while offering fresh, impactful experiences for attendees.
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Theme: Sustainable Growth for Africa
The theme for FESTAC 2024 is “Sustainable Growth Trajectory For Africa Through Culture, Trade, Travel, & Tourism.” This theme highlights the festival’s commitment to promoting African culture and economic growth across the continent through trade and tourism. The festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of African heritage and strengthen pan-African unity.
Why Kisumu, Kenya?
Kisumu, a lakeside town in Kenya, was strategically chosen for this year’s FESTAC due to its vibrant cultural scene, proximity to other East African countries, and strong support from local authorities. Kisumu is not only a cultural hub but also offers a range of tourist attractions, including the Kisumu Museum, Impala Sanctuary, Dunga Beach, and the Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery. Attendees are encouraged to explore these sites, enriching the festival experience.
What to Expect
The 2024 edition of FESTAC promises to be a dynamic and inclusive event with various programs catering to all age groups and interests. Some of the highlights include:
- Cultural Exhibitions: Showcasing African art, fashion, music, and linguistic traditions.
- Workshops: These will address mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and gender inclusivity, with a particular focus on the creative industry.
- Youth and Children’s Programs: Art workshops, storytelling sessions, and sports tournaments to engage the younger audience.
- Sports Activities: Events like football and golf, held in partnership with the East African Games, will give the festival a competitive edge.
- Panel Discussions: These discussions explore social, economic, and political issues, with a special focus on pan-Africanism and gender equality.
In line with its theme, FESTAC 2024 will also feature several impact-driven initiatives, including health screenings, tree planting, and mental wellness workshops. These programs underscore the festival’s commitment to creating lasting, positive changes in African communities.
Economic and Tourism Boost
The festival is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Kisumu’s local tourism and hospitality sectors. Attendees are encouraged to explore the town’s rich cultural heritage, with must-visit sites like the Kisumu Museum and Dunga Beach on the itinerary.
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A Focus on Gender Inclusivity
FESTAC 2024 places a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity, with programs aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering gender-inclusive dialogue. The event will feature a women’s summit on SME entrepreneurship, among other initiatives designed to create safe spaces for women in the arts and cultural economy.
Global Participation
While FESTAC remains an African festival at heart, the 2024 edition will also see participation from global delegations, including groups from India, the U.S., the UAE, the UK, and France. This international participation reflects the festival’s goal of bringing Africa to the world and the world to Africa.
Tickets for FESTAC 2024 range from $5 for a one-day pass to $20 for a full-week pass. The festival aims to leave a lasting cultural and environmental legacy through its focus on sustainable development and community engagement.
FESTAC 2024 is set to be a vibrant celebration of African culture and a powerful platform for fostering unity, dialogue, and trade within the continent and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about the arts, culture, or Africa’s future, this is an event not to be missed.