Sierra Leone is the perfect place to celebrate in authentic West African style during these exuberant annual events:

Lantern Festival

One of Sierra Leone’s most popular events — which coincides with the country’s independence anniversary in April — the Lantern Festival has great historic and religious significance. Freetown’s normally flamboyant self becomes even more colorful and vibrant as neighborhoods vie for top spot with floats designed to reflect important historic and modern-day figures.

Tangains Festival

This showcase of Sierra Leone’s rich culture includes music, dance, drama, fashion, exhibitions, a trade fair, food and folklore. Held around Easter, the event is organized by the Freetong Players theater group.

Ma Dengn Beach Festival

Meaning “let’s meet, let’s get together,” Ma Dengn sees performers, artisans, musicians and artists from across the country come together to entertain audiences and promote Sierra Leone culture in December and January.

EcoFest

The Festival of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) brings entertainers from West Africa and guest nations from other parts of Africa together in Freetown for song and dance. Traditional meets contemporary music across two stages as internationally acclaimed musicians perform alongside emerging artists from across the continent.