Cameroon holidays and festivals are a lot of fun for travelers in the right place at the right time. They usually hold them in the larger cities of Douala and Yaoundé, but there are a few in the smaller regions as well.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Cameroonian festival or a more modern musical event, Cameroon has something to offer. With so many festivals and events taking place throughout the year, there’s sure to be something that interests you. So start planning your trip and get ready to experience the best of Cameroonian culture.
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What are Some Cameroon Traditions?
Cameroon’s traditions are diverse, reflecting the Cameroonian people’s many cultures and heritage. Some of the most well-known traditions include music, dance, storytelling, and food. Music and dance are an important part of Cameroonian culture, with traditional dances being performed on special occasions, like weddings and funerals.
Storytelling is also a popular Cameroonian tradition, with stories often being passed down from generation to generation. Food is also an important part of Cameroonian culture, with many traditional dishes being passed down from generation to generation.
Some of the most popular traditional Cameroonian dishes include ndole (a stew made with peanuts and greens), koki (a cornmeal dish), and akara (fried bean cakes).
What do Cameroonians Celebrate?
Cameroon Holidays and Festivals play an important role in the life of the people. From religious holidays to national celebrations, there are plenty of reasons to party in Cameroon! Some of the most popular Cameroon holidays and festivals include:
African Music Market
This is one of the Cameroon Holidays and Festivals that is held annually in Douala. The festival draws musicians from all over Cameroon and the surrounding countries. It’s a great place to see Cameroonian music and dance and find new artists to enjoy.
Festival National des Arts et de la Culture
This huge Cameroonian arts and culture celebration is held every five years in Yaoundé, with the next one scheduled for 2020. During the festival, there are performances and exhibitions of Cameroonian music, dance, and art, as well as workshops and conferences on Cameroonian culture.
Ngondo Festival
Ngondo Festival. Photo/eveharms.com.
They hold this traditional festival in Cameroon’s coastal city of Douala annually. It celebrates the Sawa people, who make up a large portion of Cameroon’s population. The festival features traditional music, dance, canoe races, and other competitions.
The Njangsa Festival
This is also one of the Cameroon holidays and festivals held every December in the town of Njombe. It is a time for the people of the Bassa tribe to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. The highlight of the festival is the traditional dance, which both men and women perform.
The Carnival of Douala
This is one of the most popular and well-known festivals in Cameroon. It is held every February in the city of Douala. The carnival is a time for people to let loose, have fun, and forget about their troubles. The carnival features a parade of floats, costumes, and music.
The Bamenda New Year Festival
This festival is held every January 1st in the city of Bamenda. It is a time for the people of the Bamenda tribe to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. The festival features traditional dancing, feasting, and music.
The Gerewol Festival
This is a yearly event that takes place in September or October. It is a time when the Wodaabe people, a nomadic group in Cameroon, come together to sing, dance, and find potential mates. The Gerewol Festival is also a time for the Wodaabe people to show off their beauty. During the festival, men, and women wear traditional clothing and use makeup and body paint to embellish themselves.
African Theater Festival for Children and Young People (FATEJ)
This festival was created to celebrate the creativity and diversity of contemporary theatre for children and young people across the African continent. FATEJ is a biennial event that was created in 2010 by a group of theatre professionals from different African countries. The festival takes place in a different country each time and features play from all over Africa. The festival provides a platform for African theatre-makers to share their work with each other and with the world.
Mboppi Mboppi Festival
This unique festival is held every two years in the city of Kribi, on Cameroon’s coast. It celebrates the Mboppi people, who are known for their unique fishing techniques. The festival features traditional music, dance, canoe races, and other competitions.
Cameroon International Jazz Festival
This annual festival is held in the city of Yaoundé and features Cameroonian and international jazz musicians. It’s a great place to see some of Cameroon’s best musicians and enjoy some great jazz.
Nyang Nyang Dance Festival
Nyang Nyang dance festival in Cameroon. Photo/Anadolu.
Nyang Nyang dance festival in Cameroon is a yearly event that happens from November to February. It is a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their culture and heritage. The festival is also a time for young people to showcase their talents in dance, music and other arts.
This is just a small sampling of the Cameroon holidays and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning more about Cameroonian culture or want to have a good time, be sure to check out one of these events. Cameroon is a great place to experience African culture, and you will enjoy yourself at any of these festivals.
