10 Must-See Festivals in Ghana and the People Who Celebrate Them

Ghana is a nation of celebration. With over 70 recognized traditional festivals, every month is alive with culture, heritage, music, dance, and storytelling. But if you’re short on time and wondering which ones truly embody the spirit of Ghana, start here. These are the top 10 festivals in Ghana and the ethnic groups who celebrate them—each one a window into the soul of the country.

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a backpacker chasing vibes, or planning your next big group adventure, there’s a festival for you.

1. Homowo Festival — Celebrated by the Ga People

Location: Greater Accra Region
Month: August

The Ga people of Accra hoot at hunger during this joyous harvest festival. Homowo features processions, sacred rituals, family feasts, and traditional music. Experience the spiritual power of twin blessings during the Twin Festival held on the Friday before Homowo.

👉 Ready to dive into Accra’s sacred season? Explore our Chale Wote + Homowo Tour Package

2. Aboakyir Festival — Celebrated by the Effutu People

Location: Winneba, Central Region
Month: April / May

A thrilling bush deer hunt and a grand return parade make Aboakyir one of Ghana’s most exhilarating festivals. Rooted in migration and sacrifice stories of the Effutu, this is a festival like no other.

👉 Join our Central Region Festival Itinerary and hunt for culture—not deer.

3. Fetu Afahye — Celebrated by the Oguaa (Fante) People

Location: Cape Coast
Month: September

Marking a spiritual cleansing of the land, Fetu Afahye is a pageant of tradition. Expect vibrant kente, chiefs in palanquins, and the booming rhythms of asafo music.

👉 Combine your visit with Cape Coast Castle in our Heritage & Festivals Tour.

4. Damba Festival — Celebrated by the Dagomba, Mamprusi & Gonja People

Locations: Northern, Northeast, Savannah Regions
Month: July / August

Damba blends Islam with traditional Ghanaian culture. It includes Qur’anic recitations, regal dances, and elaborate drumming at the palaces of Northern Ghana’s kings.

👉 Experience Damba in Tamale with our Northern Kingdom Tour

5. Kundum Festival — Celebrated by the Ahanta and Nzema People

Location: Western Region
Month: August to November

One of Ghana’s longest-running festivals, Kundum combines religious rites, storytelling, and processions that honor the ancestors and call for blessings.

👉 Add this to your West Coast escape—Plan your Western Region Itinerary.

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6. Asafotufiam — Celebrated by the Ada People

Location: Big Ada, Greater Accra Region
Month: August

A warrior reenactment with muskets and ancestral homage, Asafotufiam brings the Ada community together to honor past military achievements and unity.

👉 Celebrate warrior pride with us on the August Festivals Trail

7. Bugum (Fire) Festival — Celebrated by the Dagomba & Gonja

Location: Tamale & Savannah Region
Month: June / July

This ancient festival lights up the night with torch processions that reenact a historical search for a lost child. It’s energetic, raw, and deeply moving.

👉 Add Fire to Your Festival Bucket List with our curated northern experience.

8. Bakatue Festival — Celebrated by the Elmina People

Location: Elmina, Central Region
Month: July

Meaning “opening of the lagoon,” Bakatue kicks off the fishing season with rituals and colorful boat parades. It’s steeped in Elmina’s history and oceanic traditions.

👉 : Combine Elmina Castle with this vibrant celebration—View Our Coastal Ghana Tour

9. Dipo Festival — Celebrated by the Krobo People

Location: Eastern Region (Manya & Yilo Krobo)
Month: May

This sacred rite of passage celebrates Krobo girls transitioning into womanhood. Expect intricate beading, symbolic dance, and community-wide participation.

👉 Walk the path of womanhood and culture in our Eastern Ghana Experience

10. Akwasidae / Adae Festival — Celebrated by the Ashanti People

Location: Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Recurring: Every 6 weeks – January, March, etc.

Held in the royal court of the Asantehene, Adae marks ancestral veneration and Ashanti power. Witness regal pageantry and traditional authority in action.

👉 Don’t miss this royal display. Book the Ashanti Cultural Itinerary

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Why These Festivals Matter

These are not just parties. They’re centuries-old stories brought to life—by warriors, queens, youth, and elders. From twin blessings to liberation marches, each festival reveals something deep about Ghana’s people, values, and resilience.

👉 Want to go beyond the blog? Explore our Festivals & Ceremonies page to plan your trip month by month with real itineraries you can book today.