Song, dance and culture on display (and let’s not forget delicious food) – if you’re headed to Mozambique in 2017 you are certainly in for a treat.
While Mozambique is known for many different things ranging from its beautiful beaches, amazing landscapes and friendly people, its annual events and festivals should also start topping your list of must do and see things.
To make your planning and scheduling quick and easy, Dana Tours has compiled a round-up of what to expect when and where…
February
Marracuene Gwaza Muthini Festival
Each year Marracuene fills up with visitors commemorating those who died resisting colonial rule in the 1895 Battle of Marracuene.
Gwaza Muthini also marks the beginning of the season for ukanhi – a traditional brew made from canhu, the fruit of the canhoeiro tree found throughout Maputo and Gaza provinces, and considered sacred in much of the region. For more details click here.
When: February
Where: TBC
May
International Labour Day
International Labour Day, a national holiday celebrated around the world and across Mozambique takes place on May 1 with marches, parades and a great deal of enthusiasm.
Where: Nationwide
When: May 1
AZGO Festival in Maputo
Taking place in the capital city, Maputo, the AZGO Festival is an annual international music festival taking place over three days.
Consisting of various bands, music documentaries and workshop this open door festival is highlight in the Mozambique events calendar. Visitors can also look forward to sampling more of what Mozambique has to offer with food courts and restaurants, designer fashion and merchandising and crafts on display
When: TBC
Where: Maputo
STRAB Festival in Ponta Malongane
STRAB or the Subterranean Rhythm & Blues experience, is another annual music festival featuring bands from rock to blues to jazz.
Interestingly, the event has its origins in 2003 as live entertainment for a birthday bash held by a group of scuba divers.
From its humble beginnings, the festival has since grown to now feature about 20 live bands. Keep in mind, however, that this will always be an exclusive event due to the size and capacity of the beach location, it is however well established and fully supported by committed music lovers who engage with the festival’s philosophy of respect, love and harmony. There will be a great beach party followed by the official festival.
Where: Ponta Malongane
When: 25-28 May
June
Put Foot Rally
The Put Foot Rally is an epic road trip adventure where incredible people from all over the world come together to explore and experience the very best of Africa!
Crews in a wide variety of whacky vehicles, meet up at checkpoints located at the heart of each country, for awesome parties, and load of giving back through hands-on charity work.
Any car, Any route, 8000km in 18 days across South Africa, Namiba, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Where: Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi
When: 19 June – 6 July
Independence Day Festivities in Maputo (public holiday)
Independence Day is celebrated every June and includes live performances and traditional dance. The national stadium is the venue for a fantastic concert during which many celebrated Mozambique bands perform. The President often attends and addresses the attendees. Many cultural events such as poetry, dancing and visual arts take place the week before.
Where: Maputo
When: 25 June
July
TAMBO International Art Camp / Festival
The city of Pemba hosts this colourful festival that celebrates cultural diversity through art, dance, theatre and music performances.
During the seven day event, visitors will have the opportunity to create art, exchange ideas and enjoy various kinds of workshops. The festival also consists of live performances and opportunities to interact with traditional artists from Pemba and other parts of the world.
Where: Pemba (Cabo Delgado Province)
When: TBC
CHOPI Music Festival
Putting the music heritage of the region on display, the CHOPI Music Festival features music and instruments unique to Mozambique.
The timbila is an amazing handmade xylophone played in large groups. This musical heritage has been recognised by UNESCO in 2005. The Chopi play traditional instruments such as whistles, animal horns, panpipes, drums and rattles. One of their most distinctive instruments is a flute made from the shell of a bush orange.
Where: Quissico (Inhambane Province)
When: End of July into August
September
Ponta do Ouro Spring Festival
The annual festival promotes all the activities within the region of Ponta do Ouro.
All the numerous activities are on display and all within 1km of one another. Visitors are able to walk from one activity to the next and the event promises to be fun for the entire family.
Where: Ponta do Ouro
When: TBC
Vilankulos Downwind
Vilankulo, in southern Mozambique, is a sleepy v
illage on the Indian Ocean with warm, turquoise waist deep waters.
The calm straight between the shore and the famous Bazaruto archipelago offers some of the best kiteboarding in the world. The local kitesurfers of Vilankulo welcome you to experience this amazing little explored kitesurfing spot.
In one weekend you may experience some of the best runs of your life while uplifting local tourism and marine conservation.
The Annual Vilankulos Downwind is a great way to experience the amazing kitesurfing of Mozambique!
Where: Vilankulo
When: TBC
October
FORR Festival
The Fellowship of Rock & Roll or FORR in short, is so much more than just a music festival, it is a shared adventure to the beautiful coastal village of Ponta Malongane, Mozambique.
During the festival visitors will not only have the opportunity to listen to some of the best music currently on offer on the Southern African scene, but they will also be able to enjoy fantastic beaches, swim in the warm waters of the Indian ocean, scuba dive on some of the best reefs in the world, enjoy a scenic ocean excursion with perhaps the opportunity to swim with dolphins or go test your 4×4 skills in the sand. Not to forget spending great times with old and new friends in truly the most beautiful bar in the world.
The 2016 event saw performances from bands and artists such as the Shabeen, Kobus De Kock JR, Mr Cat and the Jackal.
Where: Ponta Malongane
When: 13-16 October
December/January
Christmas
The festive season in Mozambique is enjoyed by both Christians and those of other faiths with concerts, parties, music, and songs at large family get-togethers. The Catholic churches hold midnight masses and choirs fill the air with carols rich in glorious a-capella African harmonies.
Where: Nationwide
When: 25 December
New Year’s Eve/New Year’s
One of the most-loved festivals in Mozambique is New Year’s Eve, welcomed with sparkling lights, street parties, and fireworks at midnight. It’s a great time to be in Mozambique with everyone joining in the fun.
Where: Nationwide
When: 31 December – 1 January
Join in the festivities in Mozambique without concerning yourself with how to get from point A to B. Let Dana Drive you – Dana Tours amongst its product offering, offers tailor-made transport, transfer and chauffeur services in Mozambique. No group is too big or too small as the company operates a fleet consisting of comfortable SUV’s, minibuses and 22-seater coaches. In addition, Dana carries passenger liability cover to the value of US$2 million, covering its own, but also sub-contracted vehicles. Dana’s drivers adhere to the most stringent criteria and are always ready to meet visitors with a friendly smile and the highest level of service. For more details click here.
