From 25 December to 1 January each year, Banjul becomes the cultural heartbeat of The Gambia as the Banjul Cultural Festival brings together communities, performers, artists, and visitors for a week-long celebration of heritage, creativity, and unity.

The festival features a rich programme of cultural carnivals, masquerade parades, hunting masquerade competitions, craft and food exhibitions, poetry, live music, fitness activities, regattas, wrestling, and grand fireworks—transforming the streets of Banjul into a living stage of Gambian identity.

Highlights include the Parade of Cultural Masquerades, visual arts exhibitions, symposiums, traditional performances, regatta boat festival, wrestling competitions on the beach, nightly fanal processions, and a spectacular fireworks display welcoming the New Year.

The festival concludes on 1 January with a grand cultural showcase featuring Ekumbado, Gunshot, Rainbow, Odilleh, and capital city cultural performances—celebrating diversity, resilience, and national pride.

Location: Banjul
Dates: 25 December – 1 January
Entry: Open to all

This festival is funded by the European Union Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC).