Democratic Republic of the Congo Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC, CD, Central Africa)

The political upheaval of recent years has left the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a rather meager calendar of events, with festivals far and few between. However, a number of national holidays are closely observed by most people.

These annual events give visitors an opportunity to experience the traditions and festivities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at first hand. Things to do include theatrical festivals, concerts, art exhibitions and the Independence Day celebrations each year at the end of June. In Kinshasa, the Martyrs Stadium (Stade des Martyrs of Pentecost) is an important sports venue and can comfortably accommodate audiences of 80,000 people, who come here to watch soccer matches, athletics events and concerts.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year celebrations - people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrate the start of the new year on January 1st with parties

February

• There are no significant festivals during the month of February

March

• International Mini-marathon - held in Kinshasa at the initiative of the Congolese National Sports Medicine Centre and featuring a 5 km / 3 mile walk

April

• There are no significant festivals during the month of April

May

• Journés Congolaises de Théâtre pour et par l'Enfance et la Jeunesse - an annual festival of theatre held in Kinshasa and dedicated to childhood and youth. The event lasts for six days and attracts thousands of participants
• Liberation Day - people organise events to celebrate Liberation Day throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Christmas Celebrations - May 25th, followers of the Kimbanguist church gather in Kinshasa on this day, since they strongly believe that Christ was born in May and not December
• Lubumbashi Festival - featuring musicians from southern Africa

June

• Independence Day - celebrated annually on June 30th. The national flag is raised and various events are held throughout the country

July

• Festival Tableau Noir, Ecran Blanc - workshops in film making for young people in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi
• Festival Culturel d'Idiofa - traditional art, dance, music and costumes from Idiofa in the Bandundu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

August

• Festival of Rural Theatre - held in Kinshasa, this festival features theatre, dancing, singing and music performances

September

• There are no significant festivals during the month of September

October

• Temps du Théatre a Lubumbashi - organised by the Centre of Theatrical Animation in Lubumbashi, seeking to promote artistic dialogue between the various regions in southern Africa

November

• Kinshasa Book Fair - an opportunity for local publishers to promote their book titles to the public and a chance to bring authors and publishers together

December

• There are no significant festivals during the month of December