Diafarabe is a village in Mali first founded in 1818 and home to people of the Fulani tribe. Every year during December the men of the village lead their animals, mainly cattle, across the nearby river to search for pasture after the end of the rainy season. The first day of the festival is called Promenade des Jeunes, when bachelors and unmarried women dress up and decorate themselves to attract one another. Prizes are also awarded during the festival to exceptional livestock.
Diafarabe, Mali, Africa
Every year from February 1 to 6, the city of Segou in south-central Mali hosts a festival which celebrates Malian culture. The events of the festival include musical performances, forums on Malian issues, storytelling events, art exhibitions, and a craft fair. The event takes place on the banks of the Niger River.
Festival sur le Niger
BP 39 Ségou, Mali
festivalsegou.org/new/
The Dogon are a tribe located in the Bandiagara region in central Mali. The Dogon Mask festival is comprised of two separate festivals: the Sigui Festival and the Dama Festival. The former is held once every 60 years while the latter is held once every 12 years. During the Dama festival the men of the tribe make masks which they wear during dances that last for five days. The masks depict spiritual entities and ancestors.
Bandiagara, Mali, Africa
