Festivals in Ghana in May

Festivals in Ghana in May offer a vibrant mix of spiritual rituals, initiation rites, ancestral thanksgiving, and even a dramatic deer hunt. From the Krobo hills in the south to the savannahs of the north, May is rich with cultural meaning and celebration.

Festivals in Ghana in May

1. Aboakyer Festival (Continued)

Location: Winneba – Central Region
When: Sometimes celebrated on the first Saturday of May

What it’s about:
If the last Saturday of April doesn’t align with the traditional calendar, the Effutu people may celebrate Aboakyer in early May instead. The heart-pounding hunt for a live deer by two warrior Asafo groups, the spiritual rituals honoring their deity Penkye Otu, and the grand procession of chiefs and drummers all remain unchanged.
It is one of the top festivals in Ghana in May, drawing visitors from around the world for its energy, history, and theatrical pageantry.

Location Tip: Arrive a day early to join locals at the Winneba beach and soak in the pre-festival excitement.

2. Dipo / Bohum Festival

Location: Yilo and Manya Krobo – Eastern Region
When: Early to mid-May

What it’s about:
Dipo is one of the most iconic rites of passage festivals in Ghana, performed by the Krobo people to usher young girls into womanhood. During the festival, initiates wear elaborate beads and traditional cloths, undergo spiritual cleansing, and are taught cultural values, home management, and family responsibilities. The Bohum Festival, celebrated alongside Dipo in some areas, focuses on ancestral veneration and community renewal.

Expect vibrant processions, cultural performances, and a deep sense of pride in feminine identity and tradition.

3. Chimsi Festival

Location: Bawku – Upper East Region
When: May

What it’s about:
Chimsi is celebrated by the Kusasi people in Bawku as a post-harvest thanksgiving festival. It includes sacrifices to the gods, cleansing rituals, and social gatherings that unify the various clans in the area. This festival is deeply spiritual and a powerful expression of northern Ghana’s agricultural and religious traditions.

Visitor Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to the White Volta River or the nearby Pusiga Shrine for a fuller northern cultural experience.

4. Don Festival

Location: Wa – Upper West Region
When: May

What it’s about:
The Don Festival is a spiritual renewal and ancestral festival celebrated by the people of Wa and surrounding communities. Chiefs lead rituals to cleanse the land, ask for peace, and invoke blessings for the coming farming season. Expect traditional music, war dances, and durbars that showcase Upper West’s rich heritage.

Donkyi Afahye

Location: Namase, Bono Region
When: May

What it’s about:
Donkyi Afahye is celebrated by the people of Namase to honor their ancestors, invoke protection, and promote unity. The festival features durbars of chiefs, traditional drumming, and communal activities that reinforce the values of kinship and pride in Bono history.

6. Sallah (Eid-ul-Fitr)

Location: Tamale, Tumu & Muslim-majority towns across Ghana
When: Varies (based on the Islamic calendar; often falls in May)

What it’s about:
Sallah (Eid-ul-Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims. In Ghana, it’s a major spiritual and cultural event, especially in northern cities like Tamale and Tumu. Streets are filled with celebrants in new clothes, prayer sessions in open spaces, and joyful feasts. It’s a time of generosity, community giving, and peace.

Cultural Tip: Visitors are welcome to observe prayers or join in community meals if invited.

Sample May Festival Itinerary

Want to experience Ghana’s cultural spectrum in one trip? Here’s a 7–10 day suggestion:

Day 1–2: Arrive in Accra, rest and prep
Day 3–4: Attend Dipo Festival in the Krobo Hills
Day 5–6: Travel to Winneba for Aboakyer (if celebrated in May)
Day 7–8: Fly to Tamale and drive to Wa or Bawku for Don or Chimsi Festival
Day 9–10: Return to Accra or continue to Mole National Park

👉 Want us to help you plan your May festival tour? Check out our curated May festival travel packages and get expert guidance.