South Sudan Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(South Sudan, SS, North-East Africa)

In the past few years, more and more events have been added to South Sudan's calendar. This means that there is often a choice of distractions and celebrations whatever time of the year you choose to visit.

Many of the country's festivals are aimed at promoting its cultural assets, alongside peace and prosperity. Others have the aim of raising much-needed funds for hospitals or other public projects.

If you are planning to holiday in South Sudan during the month of July or August, then you will find plenty of quality attractions and events. Each year on July 9th, the Independence Day festivities come along, being at their biggest within the capital city of Juba, where they also comprise a well-supported marathon race. During the following month of August, the Festival of Fashion and Arts for Peace is well worth looking out for in the capital, as is the oriental extravaganza that is the Japanese Summer Fest.

South Sudan Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Peace Day - held on January 9th and celebrated as an official public holiday throughout the country.

February

• Jesus Festival - held in Wau, this festival is organised by the International Gospel Mission each February.

March

• Easter Sunday - celebrations are held in Juba and elsewhere in South Sudan. The largest event reliably takes place at the Nyakuron Cultural Center.

April

• There are no significant festivals in South Sudan during the month of March.

May

• South Sudan Business Club - this regular networking event is held at the Juba Grand Hotel.

June

• South Sudan Business Club - this regular networking event is held at the Juba Grand Hotel.

July

• Independence Day - the birth of the independent state of South Sudan is celebrated each year on July 9th.
• Independence Day 'Marathon' - starts at Juba Stadium. This event offers competitors a choice of distances up to 21 km / 13 miles. Proceeds go towards setting up an athletics camp to train South Sudan's athletes.
• UNV Duathlon - starts from Wau Teaching Hospital. This duathlon is held to raise funds for the hospital.

August

• Festival of Fashion and Arts for Peace - this annual festival is organised to promote the themes of tolerance and peace in South Sudan through the arts. Events take place in the city of Juba and always include a successful combination of music, dance and fashion.
• Japanese Summer Festival - an annual event each August that showcases Japanese culture, dance, sport and food. The festival is held at the UNMISS Compound in Juba.

September

• South Sudan Business Conference and Trade Fair - held in the capital city of Juba.

October

• Human Rights Film Festival - held in Juba and organised by the UN Mission in South Sudan.
• Hope for a New Nation - this festival takes place over a two-day period each October, in the city of Juba.

November

• Agricultural Trade Fair of South Sudan - a four-day fair that is held at the Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba. It brings together farmers, cooperatives and investors.

December

• South Sudan Film Festival - held in December in Juba.
• Book Expo and Literary Talent Awards - held in Juba to celebrate and promote South Sudanese works of literature, artists and writers.