Tanzanian Independence Day
A public holiday celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1961.
Swahili Fashion Week
Karimjee Hall in Dar es Salaam is the venue for the country’s top fashion event. Local and top designers showcase their talents and creations
Farmers’ Day (Nane Nane)
A major trade fair for farmers, staged at the Zuguni grounds in Dodoma and other venues
Festival of the Dhow Countries Zanzibar International film festival
Early July, expect all manner of dancing, traditional music and literary events, lasting an entire fortnight. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is a particular highlight and features an exciting awards ceremony and numerous movie screenings.
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is now the largest annual cultural event in East Africa, and among the eight major festivals in sub-Saharan Africa. It is scheduled annually around the first two weeks in July. The festival celebrates the arts and cultures of the African Continent, India, Pakistan, Gulf States, Iran and the Indian Ocean islands. It features an international film and video competition, music, theatre and performing arts, workshops, seminars, conferences and other related arts and cultural programmes. The festival programme is centered in a variety of magnificent venues near the seafront in the historic Stone Town; with a Village Panorama that extends the festival to rural communities; Women’s Panorama, which provides a focus for women’s issues; Children’s Panorama, which provides for the participation of children and youths.
Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival
Held in Kigitonyama, Dar es Salaam. Visitors can expect to enjoy performances of traditional Tanzanian music, as well as a variety of cultural and art exhibitions
Karibu Travel and Trade Fair
The biggest East African travel event of the year, taking place in Arusha. For those in Arusha in May the Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is a must to partake in, the biggest of its kind in East Africa. There are all sorts of Tanzanian items for purchase, from gemstones and furniture to safari gear and wine.
Union Day / Unification Day
The anniversary of this day in 1964, when Tanganyika and Zanzibar officially became part of the United Republic of Tanzania
Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day
Commemorating Vice President Sheikh Abeid Karume’s assassination in 1972