Festivals In Ghana
Festivals in Ghana 2025 | Cultural Calendar, December Highlights And Diaspora Events
Ghana’s festival calendar is one of the most vibrant in Africa from sacred ancestral rites in the North to Afro-diasporan mega-events in Accra and Cape Coast. Whether you’re curious about local traditions or traveling from abroad to reconnect with your roots, there’s a festival for every traveler. This guide breaks down the top festivals in Ghana, who celebrates them, when they happen, and why they matter.
Top Festivals in Ghana by Region and Community
| Festival | Region | Month | Celebrated By | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PANAFEST | Cape Coast | July | Diaspora, Fante | Return symbolism, durbar |
| Chale Wote | Accra | August | Urban creatives | Murals, art, street performance |
| Homowo | Accra | Aug–Sept | Ga | Hunger story, kpokpoi |
| Hogbetsotso | Volta | November | Anlo Ewe | Migration story, drumming |
| Aboakyer | Winneba | May | Effutu | Deer hunting, competition |
Photos Of Top Festivals In Ghana
Quick Guide to the Top 10 Festivals In Ghana
Festivals in Ghana by Month
Your Year-Round Guide to the Country’s Most Celebrated Cultural Events
Ghana never really has an “off-season” for culture. Every month of the year, somewhere in the country, there’s a festival unfolding a sacred ceremony in the hills, a street carnival by the coast, or a harvest dance in a northern village. Whether you’re planning your visit around a specific date or just want to know what’s happening when you arrive, this calendar will help you sync with the heartbeat of Ghanaian tradition.
Use this month-by-month guide to discover which festivals light up each part of the year and where to find them.
Festivals in Ghana In January
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Akwasidae | Kumasi, Ashanti Region | View January Festivals » |
| Edina Bronya | Elmina, Central Region | View January Festivals » |
| Begum (Fire Festival) | Tamale, Walewale, Bolgatanga (Northern & Upper East) | View January Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In Febuary
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dzawuwu Festival | Dabala, Agave District (Volta Region) | View February Festivals » |
| Nyigbla Festival | Afife, near Akatsi (Volta Region) | View February Festivals » |
| Akwasidae Festival | Kumasi, Ashanti Region | View February Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In March
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | Nationwide (Throughout Ghana) | View March Festivals » |
| Papa Festival | Kumawu, Sekyere East (Ashanti Region) | View March Festivals » |
| Ghana Paragliding Festival | Atibie-Kwahu (Eastern Region) | View March Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In April
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kwahu Easter Festival | Atibie-Kwahu (Eastern Region) | View April Festivals » |
| Ngmayem Festival | Manya and Yilo Krobo, Odumase (Eastern) | View April Festivals » |
| Asafotu Festival | Mepe (Volta Region) | View April Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In May
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Kpalikpakpa Festival | Anfoega (Volta Region) | View May Festivals » |
| Kakube Festival | Wa & Nandom (Upper West Region) | View May Festivals » |
| Damba Festival | Dagomba areas (Northern Region) | View May Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In June
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Akwasidae Festival | Kumasi (Ashanti Region) | View June Festivals » |
| Dzimbi Festival | Upper East & Upper West Regions | View June Festivals » |
| OhumKan Festival | Akyem, Kibi & nearby towns (Eastern Region) | View June Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In July
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Homowo (Osu Variant) | Osu, Accra (Greater Accra Region) | View July Festivals » |
| Ohum Festival | Akyem Abuakwa (Eastern Region) | View July Festivals » |
| Damba Festival | Yendi & Tamale (Northern Region) | View July Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In August
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Homowo Festival | Greater Accra (Accra & Osu) | View August Festivals » |
| Chale Wote Festival | Jamestown & Osu, Accra | View August Festivals » |
| Asafotufiam Festival | Ada (Greater Accra Region) | View August Festivals » |
Festivals in Ghana In September
| Festival Name | Location | View Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oguaa Fetu Afahye | Cape Coast (Central Region) | View September Festivals » |
| Odwira Festival | Kumasi, Akropong & Akropong Hills (Ashanti & Eastern Regions) | View September Festivals » |
| Yam Festival (Aburi) | Aburi (Eastern Region) | View September Festivals » |
Ghanaian Festivals by Region and Community
1. Homowo -Greater Accra Region (Ga‑Adangbe)
Who Celebrates It: The Ga people of Greater Accra
History & Cultural Meaning:
Homowo (“hooting at hunger”) commemorates a historical famine and celebrates abundance and resilience.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Sprinkling of kpokpoi (festival food)
Family feasting, drumming, twin parades
How to Attend:
Visit during the Homowo calendar month. Respect Ga customs. Best to join a guided community walk.
Highlight Homowo Festival In Photos
Watch A video Of The Homowo Festival
Asafotufiam Festival – Ada (August)
Who Celebrates It: The Ada people of the Greater Accra Region
History / Cultural Meaning: Marks ancestral military victories and honors warriors.
Key Rituals or Attractions: Mock battles, firing of muskets, warrior parades, river rituals.
How to Attend: Held in Ada; plan to arrive before the procession and river rituals.
Highight Asafotufiam Festival In Photos
Take A video Tour Of The Asafotufiam Festival
Hogbetsotso – Anloga, Volta Region, November
History & Cultural Meaning:
This festival marks the Anlo people’s legendary migration from Notsie (Togo) to present-day Ghana.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Grand durbars of chiefs
Agbadza traditional drumming and dancing
How to Attend:
Head to Anloga from Accra (approx. 3.5–4 hours). Book early for November dates.
Watch A video Of The Hogbetsotso Festival
Akwasidae – Kumasi, Every 6 Weeks (Ashanti Calendar)
Who Celebrates It: The Ashanti people
History & Cultural Meaning:
Akwasidae is a royal ancestral remembrance celebrated in the Ashanti Kingdom at Manhyia Palace.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Public appearance of the Asantehene (king)
Traditional drumming, libations, kente showcase
How to Attend:
Held every six weeks—check calendar. Visit Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi for deeper insight
Aboakyer – Winneba, May
Who Celebrates It: The Effutu people
History & Cultural Meaning:
Aboakyer (Deer Hunting Festival) honors a sacred covenant where a live deer is captured as a spiritual offering.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Rival Asafo groups compete in deer hunting
Parades, drumming, and war dances
How to Attend:
Travel from Accra to Winneba (1–2 hours). Book lodging early May.
Watch A video Of Aboakyer Festival
Chale Wote – Accra, August
Who Celebrates It: Urban creatives, artists, youth culture
History & Cultural Meaning:
Started in 2011, Chale Wote is an alternative art festival transforming James Town into a vibrant street museum.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Street murals and installations
Music, fashion, dance battles
Indie film screenings, performances
How to Attend:
Located in Accra’s James Town. Free to attend. Stay in Osu or Adabraka for easy access.
PANAFEST – Cape Coast, July
Who Celebrates It: African diaspora and Fante people
History & Cultural Meaning:
PANAFEST (Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival) began in 1992 to reconnect Africans abroad with the continent, honoring the memory of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and celebrating African unity.
Key Rituals or Attractions:
Return symbolism (walk through slave dungeons)
Cultural durbars, performances, academic forums
Emancipation Day events
How to Attend:
Fly into Accra or Takoradi, then take a 2.5-hour ride to Cape Coast. Book early as hotels fill up.
What to Expect & Visitor Tips
Heading to a festival in Ghana? Here’s your go-to guide to help you feel at home, be respectful, and make the most of the experience
Typical Daily Schedule
Morning: Many festivals start with rituals—libations, chapel prayers, or blessings.
Midday Processions: Chiefs in palanquins are paraded, accompanied by Asafo companies and rhythm-filled drumming.
Afternoon Durbar: A traditional public gathering with speeches, dancing, and communal fellowship.
Evening Celebrations: Expect lively dances, bonfires (like Bugum’s torchlight processions), or ceremonial meals.
Food & Drink
local specialties: fufu, banku, kpokpoi, jollof, and street snacks like kelewele.
Accept hospitality! Hosts or chiefs might offer food and declining without a polite reason can seem rude
Dress Code & Etiquette
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas or during sacred ceremonies—avoid sleeveless tops or short shorts.
Always use your right hand for shaking, giving, or eating—left is considered unclean in formal settings
Respect chiefs and elders—greet the eldest first, remove hats, and bow slightly when appropriate
Do’s & Don’ts
Do greet everyone with a handshake and always say “Akwaaba” (welcome) or “Maakye” (good morning)
Do embrace the relaxed pace—Ghanaian culture operates on “Ghana time.” Don’t be surprised if events start late
Don’t point at people; use whole-hand gestures instead
Don’t refuse food or drinks without a gentle explanation—it may be perceived as disrespectful
Don’t photograph people, sacred sites, or government buildings without permission
Festival Planning Resources & Tours
Dive into these essential resources to make your festival experience in Ghana unforgettable—from planning to participation:
Downloadable Festival Calendar
Plan with confidence—download the Ghana Festival Calendar PDF curated by Our Expert Team It outlines dates for major and regional festivals throughout the year and is updated regularly to reflect lunar and agricultural cycles
Transport & Accommodation Tips
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Getting around: Domestic flights are available, but most travelers use shared minibuses (trotros) or private taxis. Arrange transfers in advance for remote festival locations .
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Big events = book early (think Cape Coast, Kumasi, Accra).
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For smaller festivals, opt for local guesthouses or community homestays for a richer cultural experience.
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Expect seasonal price surges—check availability and lock in rates at least 2–3 months ahead .
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Festival Tours
Prefer everything handled? Consider joining a guided cultural tour:
Safety & Cultural Etiquette
Health & Safety
Ghana is generally safe, but petty theft is common—keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing services after dark, and avoid poorly lit streets
Take health precautions: malaria prophylaxis, yellow fever vaccination, bottled water, sunscreen
Cultural Respect
Informative guidelines help you engage authentically—friendly greetings, respectful dress, patience for schedule delays (“Ghana time”) .
Avoid publicly dismissing rituals or sacred traditions. Silently observe, and ask questions privately if curious .
Related Guides to Enhance Your Festival Experience
Dive deeper into Ghana’s vibrant culture before—or after—your festival adventures. Explore these in-depth guides:
Ghanaian Cuisine
Discover the flavors behind festival feasts, from fufu and banku to kpokpoi and beyond.Ghanaian Music & Dance
Learn about the drumming rhythms, dance styles, and instruments that fuel every procession and durbar.Kente Cloth & Traditional Dress
Unravel the history and symbolism woven into Ghana’s most iconic textile—and how to wear it respectfully.Language & Storytelling
Hear the legends and oral traditions that give meaning to each ritual, chant, and performance.Visit Ghana (Regional Guides)
Plan your broader journey with our regional travel guides, covering everything from the coast to the savannah.
Ready to Experience a Festival in Ghana?
Book a festival tour, download the event calendar, or browse our cultural guides to plan your immersive journey.
