PanaFest 2025
PANAFEST 2025 In Ghana
Dates: July 17 – August 2, 2025
Theme: "Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism
PANAFEST 2025 in Ghana are so much more than just festivals. They’re powerful homecomings that potray moments of deep reflection, celebration, and connection.
Set across Ghana’s most historic sites, these events bring together locals and the African diaspora in a shared journey: to honor the past, heal generational wounds, and proudly celebrate African identity and resilience.
It’s where history meets hope, and culture comes alive with music, storytelling, and unity.
What is PANAFEST?
PANAFEST (Pan African Festival of Arts and Culture) was established in 1992 by Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland. It is a biennial event designed to celebrate the strength, culture, and unity of African people across the globe. Through music, dance, theatre, and dialogue, PANAFEST reflects on the legacies of slavery while highlighting the shared identity of people of African descent.
What is Emancipation Day?
Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire under the Slavery Abolition Act of 1834. In Ghana, Emancipation Day holds deeper meaning as the country has become a symbolic “Door of Return” for people of African heritage worldwide.
PANAFEST & Emancipation Day 2025 – Full Event Schedule
July 17–22: Slave Route Pilgrimage (Northern Ghana)
| Date | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 17 | Salaga Atonement Ceremonies | Salaga |
| July 18 | Courtesy Call on Gulpe Naa + Evening Lectures | Tamale |
| July 19 | Upper East Journey + Pikworo Durbar | Pikworo Slave Camp |
| July 20 | Return Journey with stop at Bono Manso | Bono Manso |
| July 21 | Courtesy Calls at Assin Manso | Assin Manso |
| July 22 | Brazil Food Fair (Invite Only) | Brazilian Embassy, Accra |
July 23–24: Pre-Festival Activities
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| July 23 | Wreath-Laying, Mini Market, Creative Explosion Concert (7pm–10pm) | DuBois Centre, Nat. Theatre, etc. |
| July 24 | Assin Praso Crossing Ceremony + Travel to Cape Coast | Assin Praso |
July 25–26: PANAFEST Homecoming & Grand Durbar
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| July 25 | Boat Ride, Akwaaba Ceremony, Elmina Vigil, Expo Launch | Cape Coast & Elmina |
| July 26 | Wellness Sessions, Durbar of Chiefs, Concerts | Cape Coast Durbar Grounds |
August 1–2: Emancipation Day Ceremonies
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| August 1 | Wreath-Laying, Chiefs Durbar, Storytelling, Cultural Shows | Assin Manso, Cape Coast |
| August 2 | Diaspora Dialogues, Farewell Gatherings | Various Sites |
Highlights You Can't Miss
Locations Across Ghana
Planning Your Trip to Ghana for PANAFEST
Where to Stay During PANAFEST 2025
| Hotel Name | Location | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| La Villa Boutique Hotel | Accra (Osu) | Book Now |
| Urbano Hotel | Accra (East Legon) | Book Now |
| Lemon Beach Resort | Elmina | Book Now |
| Coconut Grove Beach Resort | Elmina | Book Now |
| Orange Beach Resort | Cape Coast | Book Now |
| Ridge Royal Hotel | Cape Coast | Book Now |
Travel Tips
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Secure your visa early
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Fly into Kotoka International Airport
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Use domestic tour operators for transfers
Packing Essentials: Light cotton wear, water shoes, sunscreen, cultural attire (kente or African print), journal
Emancipation Day vs. Juneteenth: Two Stories, One Spirit
| Aspect | Emancipation Day | Juneteenth |
| Date | August 1 | June 19 |
| Region | British Colonies | United States |
| First Observed | 1834 | 1865 |
| Significance | End of British slavery | End of U.S. slavery |
Image Gallery Highlights from Past PANAFEST And Emancipation Day Celebrations
Video Highlights from Past PANAFEST And Emancipation Day Celebrations
PANAFEST 2025: 11-Day Diaspora Return And Emancipation Tour
Tour Overview
Join us for PANAFEST 2025, Ghana’s most powerful celebration of African identity, ancestral remembrance, and Pan-African unity. From the symbolic “Door of Return” boat ride and ancestral naming rituals to emotional ceremonies at Cape Coast Castle and the grand Durbar of chiefs, this 11-day immersive journey will transform how you connect with Africa and yourself.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to your roots, this tour bridges memory, healing, culture, and reconnection. It’s more than a festival—it’s a spiritual return home
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Accra
Airport pickup, orientation & optional Ghanaian welcome dinner
Heritage Trail + Wreath-Laying
Explore Black Star Square • DuBois Centre • Attend Mini Market & Concert
Assin Praso Crossing Ceremony
Emotional river crossing ritual reenactment • Continue to Cape Coast
Door of Return + Vigil
Boat Ride • Akwaaba Welcome • Night Vigil at Elmina Castle
Durbar Day & Expo
Grand Durbar of Chiefs • Live concerts • African arts exhibition
Cultural Immersion Day
Explore Kakum Canopy Walkway • Learn to cook Ghanaian food or try batik printing
Spiritual Reconnection & Free Time
Visit Ancestral Slave River (Assin Manso) • Relax or shop local crafts
Diaspora Naming Ceremony
Receive your Ghanaian name • Learn oral history from local elders
Arts, Film & Fashion
Attend fashion show, poetry, or African film night
Emancipation Day Ceremonies
Wreath-laying at Assin Manso • Chiefs’ Durbar • Cultural storytelling
Diaspora Dialogues + Departure
Farewell gathering, networking & reflection brunch • Airport transfers
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Frequently Asked Questions About PANAFEST 2025 & Ghana Trips
PANAFEST 2025 will be held across multiple historic cities in Ghana, including Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Manso, Tamale, Salaga, and Pikworo. The main durbars and cultural events will happen in Cape Coast and Elmina.
General access to public PANAFEST events like the durbars, vigils, and exhibitions is often free or low-cost. However, tour packages, private ceremonies, and concerts may require booking in advance. Our 11-day cultural tour package includes full access and exclusive experiences.
👉 View Tour Package & Pricing
PANAFEST (Pan-African Festival of Arts and Culture) is a biennial cultural festival celebrating African unity, heritage, and the diaspora’s return to their ancestral homeland. It combines art, music, healing rituals, academic panels, and historical remembrance.
PANAFEST 2025 runs from July 17 to August 2, 2025, including:
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Slave Route Pilgrimage: July 17–22
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Pre-Festival Activities: July 23–24
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PANAFEST Homecoming & Durbar: July 25–26
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Emancipation Day Events: August 1–2
The official theme is:
“Ensuring the African Kinship: Our Essence, Our Well-being, Our Prosperity.”
It focuses on unity, healing, and building stronger ties between Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.
In addition to PANAFEST, Ghana in 2025 offers:
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Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August)
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Year-Round Heritage Tours
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Volta Nature & Adventure Escapes
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Togo–Benin Cross-Border Tours
👉 Browse Our Ghana Tours
Book Your PANAFEST 2025 Tour Today
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for your spiritual reconnection, PANAFEST & Emancipation Day in Ghana is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join a curated group tour, or request a private itinerary tailored to your interests.
