Our Major Traditional Festivals Are:
ABOAKYIR FESTIVAL
(Winneba, Central Region): Celebrated by the Effutu people, this "deer hunting festival" involves two traditional warrior groups competing to catch a live antelope. The first group to present their catch to the chief is highly honored. It's a vibrant display of traditional skills and rivalry.
Typical Date: First Saturday in May.
BAKATUE FESTIVAL
(Elmina, Central Region): This festival marks the beginning of the fishing season for the people of Elmina. It involves a procession of chiefs and stool holders, rituals performed at the Benya Lagoon, and the casting of a net to officially open the fishing season. A regatta often concludes the celebration.
Typical Date: First Tuesday in July.
HOMOWO FESTIVAL
(Ga Traditional Area, Greater Accra Region): "Homowo" means "hooting at hunger" in the Ga language. This festival commemorates a historical famine and the subsequent bumper harvest. Celebrations include the sprinkling of "kpokpoi" (a traditional food) to the gods and ancestors, processions of chiefs, and a gathering of twins dressed in special attire. Typical Date: August/September.
FETU AFAHYE
(Cape Coast, Central Region): This harvest festival Commemorates the first contact between the Oguaa people (Cape Coast) and Europeans. It's a colorful event featuring a procession of chiefs and traditional Asafo companies in unique attire, drumming, dancing, and the sacrifice of a cow to the seventy-seven deities of Oguaa.
Typical Date: First Saturday in September.
DAMBA FESTIVAL
(Northern Regions - especially Tamale and Yendi): Originally linked to the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the Damba festival has evolved into a celebration of chieftaincy and culture in the Northern regions. It's a two-day event marked by pageantry, drumming, dancing, and horse riding.
Typical Date: September/October (based on the Islamic lunar calendar).
HOGBETSOTSO
Festival (Anlo Traditional Area, Volta Region): This festival commemorates the migration of the Anlo people from Notsie in present-day Togo to their current homeland in Ghana. It involves a reenactment of the migration, often with women walking backward, and includes drumming, dancing, and a grand durbar of chiefs.
Typical Date: November.
AKWASIDAE
(Ashanti Region, especially Kumasi): Celebrated every sixth Sunday, Akwasidae is a significant event for the Ashanti people. It's a day for honoring ancestors and the Asantehene (the Ashanti King). A public durbar of chiefs takes place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, featuring colorful traditional attire, drumming, and cultural displays.
Typical Date: Occurs every six weeks on a Sunday. Dates vary each year. For example, in 2025, Akwasidae is expected around January 19th, March 2nd, April 13th, May 25th, July 6th, August 17th, September 28th, and November 9th.
ODWIRA FESTIVAL
(Akuapem Traditional Area, Eastern Region): This festival celebrates a historic victory of the Akuapem people over the Ashanti and also marks the beginning of the traditional new year. It involves rituals, (purification), and a grand durbar with drumming and dancing.
Typical Date: September.
PANAFEST
PANAFEST 2026, the biennial Pan-African Festival of Arts and Culture, is set to take place in Ghana from July 25 to August 3, 2026, celebrating African heritage, unity, and resilience. The 10-day cultural event features traditional music, dance, theatre, and ceremonies in locations like Accra and Cape Coast, often coinciding with Emancipation Day.
CHALE WOTE STREET ART FESTIVAL (Accra):
A contemporary festival that brings together artists and creatives to showcase street art, music, dance, and performances in the Jamestown and Ussher Town areas of Accra. This usually takes place in August.
This is just a glimpse of the rich tapestry of festivals celebrated in my country Ghana. Each festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the country's diverse cultures and traditions.
If you plan to visit Ghana and want to witness a particular festival, kindly reach out to me by booking me on TourHQ website for the most accurate dates and details. Thank you.