Rwanda’s top events, festivals and fairs you should never miss

A beautiful nation popularly called the country of more than a thousand hills is always worth visiting. Yes, we are talking about Rwanda, which is traditionally rich in culture and people from across the world love to visit this east African country for its round-the-year vibrant festivals. This is truly a unique country in the world where gorillas are awarded the same level of respect and admiration as humans and this kind of typical cultural activities and festivals attract people from across the globe. Here is our guide to some of the top and renowned festivals in Rwanda. 

International Peace Marathon

International Peace Marathon usually takes place during the mid of every year. The marathon consists of four to five loops on the paved streets. Many Rwandans and foreigners participate in this marathon with big pride and honor. This first marathon was held on May 15, 2005. This was the date which marked 10 years since the Rwandan genocide. International Peace Marathon is attended by more than 2,000 runners of different abilities from more than 20 nations. It attracts athletes from overall Africa and Europe. This also inspires religious and communal interlace and participating in this marathon as a long-distance runner will make you explore Rwanda’s gorgeous hills. However, it is better to undergo altitude training before participating in the race. The date for this race is not fixed every year.

Image Credit: Facebook / Kigali International Peace Marathon

FESPAD

FESPAD is a pan-African dance festival and a biennial cultural event that has been taking place in Rwanda for over a decade back. The festival doesn’t have a stipulated date but it took place on August 1-5 in 2016 and July 29 to August 3 in 2018. The theme of FESPAD is not the same every year. While in 2018, the exhibition featured cultural products and traditional dance performances by participants from Africa’s different parts, 2016’s festival mainly looked into having local artists in efforts to support and promote local artists and the music industry. You can join this dance festival to get more knowledge of Rwanda’s traditional culture, cuisines, dance, etc.

Image Credit: YouTube / Kigali Today

AIC Food Fair

AIC Food Fair is highly popular not only in Rwanda but in other African countries and many people from various parts of the world visit Kigali during the event. This annual fair brings together Kigali restaurants and the International Community through their embassies to offer a diverse array of tastes of the world. Showcasing world-class cuisines is the main objective of this fair. You can enjoy diverse foods at a beer garden and have full entertainment with music. It usually takes place in May.

Image Credit: Facebook / Africa International Club Rwanda - AIC Rwanda

Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina is a popular ceremony in Rwanda and has acquired quite an acclamation due to its typical way of celebrating this ceremony. Kwita Izina is popularly known as gorilla naming ceremony. A naming ceremony is held every year for newly born gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains in northern Rwanda. The main objective of this renowned ceremony is easing the task of monitoring each gorilla and their groups in their natural habitat. The ceremony is a sort of reminder of our close link to gorillas who are very much similar DNA to the human being. On the other hand, this annual ceremony also helps in raising awareness of the protection of species and their habitats at national and international levels. You can join the Red Rock Community Camp and enjoy basket weaving, beer brewing, music, and food tasting experiences. This ceremony mainly takes place in September every year.

Image Credit: Facebook / Kwita Izina

Kigali Up

Kigali Up is east Africa’s one of the biggest festivals that take place in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The African Music Festival Network has ranked Kigali Up as the 6^th among Africa’s best music festivals. It’s a weekend festival with two full days of music across two stages. It attracts local and international music enthusiasts in the country’s capital city. As the festival is getting stronger every year, it brings an average of 25 regional and international artists. This festival features world music, blues, funk, and roots artists from around the globe. Another important reason for bringing musicians of different ages, cultures, and regions is to provide an opportunity for economic growth and enhance ties with other countries. It also develops administrative and technical skills, workshops for light and sound engineering, photography and videography. The time is not fixed for this festival.

Image Credit: Facebook / Kigali Up

Rwanda Film Festival

Rwanda Film Festival is a vital destination for the movie aficionados. The festival is held every year in July in Kigali. It has gained worldwide recognition over the past few years and is now considered one of Africa’s major film events. Nicknamed ‘Hillywood’ (due to Rwanda’s nickname of ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’) Rwanda Film Festival is aimed to bring awareness, appreciation and understanding the art of cinema in Rwanda.

 

Image Credit: Facebook / Rwanda Film Festival

Imigongo

Imigongo is not any event, fair or cultural activities. It is an art form popular in Rwanda traditionally made by women using cow dung. You may have minutely noticed the unique Imogongo cow dung paintings hanging at many lodges and hotels in Rwanda. It is an old cultural tradition that is practiced in the village of Nyakarambi. Often in the colors black, white and red, popular themes include spiral and geometric designs that are painted on walls, pottery, and canvas. You can also find Imogongo tables, mirrors, wall hangings and learn Imogongo cow dung art. Classes are available in the village.

Image Credit: Facebook / Imigongo Art Center

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