The International Roots Festival
The International Roots Festival is open to visitors from all over the world who are interested in exploring the historical and cultural heritage of The Gambia and its connections to the African diaspora. The festival is attended by both Gambians and international tourists, as well as representatives from cultural and heritage organizations from around the world.
In addition to attending cultural performances and visiting heritage sites, visitors to the festival can participate in various workshops and seminars on topics such as African history, culture, and traditions. There are also opportunities to purchase traditional handicrafts and artwork from local artisans and vendors.
Overall, the International Roots Festival offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the historical and cultural roots of The Gambia and its connections to the wider African diaspora.
The International Roots Festival takes place once every two years in the second week of May.
The festival was first launched in 1996, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Its aim is to promote cultural tourism in The Gambia and to reconnect African descendants with their roots on the African continent. The festival has since become one of the most popular events in The Gambia, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The festival usually lasts for a week, with a variety of activities and events scheduled throughout the week. The program includes visits to heritage sites related to slavery, such as the Kunta Kinteh Island and Fort James, as well as cultural performances, fashion shows, and a range of other events.
Tourists are welcome to participate in the festival and are encouraged to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also take part in the futampaf ceremony, which is a Jola traditional initiation ritual from youth to adulthood. The festival provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and culture of The Gambia and the African diaspora.
The International Roots Festival takes place in The Gambia, primarily in the capital city of Banjul and surrounding areas. Visitors can get to The Gambia by air, with flights available from major cities around the world.
The African diaspora refers to the communities of people of African descent living outside of the African continent. The size of the African diaspora is difficult to estimate, but it is believed to be in the tens of millions, with large communities in the United States, Brazil, and the Caribbean, among other regions.