Sudan Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Sudan, SD, North-East Africa)

Many events in Sudan are related to the country's main religion, Islam. These include Mawlid an Nabi and Eid al-Fitr. It should be born in mind that the exact date of these religious events varies from year to year, and so if you are planning a holiday and would like to time your visit accordingly, be sure to do your research and check the year's current date.

Several cultural festivals also appear on Sudan's calendar, ranging from a huge book fair to a theatre extravaganza. Being the capital city, Khartoum tends to play a central part in the events scene of Sudan, offering plenty of seasonal things to do and partake of throughout the course of the year.

The Khartoum International Trade Fair kicks off proceedings each year in January, being followed by the Annual Flower Festival in February, the Nile Print Expo and the Al Bugaa International Theatre Festival in March, and the Tourism and Marketing Fair every April. Later on in the year, Khartoum's International Music Fest and International Book Fair each October are additional highlights and not to be missed if your visit coincides with these happenings.

Sudan Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Independence Day - January 1st, celebrates independence from Egypt and from British rule.
• Khartoum International Trade Fair - a large export event that brings together the business community from both within and outside Sudan.

February

• Mawlid an-Nabi - street-based celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Traditional dancing and food stalls throughout the country.
• Annual Flower Festival - a Khartoum-based event where prizes are awarded for various horticultural categories, which include commercial and foreign growers.

March

• Nile Print Expo - held at Khartoum International Fair Ground. The exhibition offers an invaluable platform for Sudan's developing sector.
• Al Bugaa International Theatre Festival - staged in collaboration with the International Theatre Institute in Paris. Held in Khartoum over the course of several days during March.
• Khartoum Cycle Race - a new event that finishes outside the secretariat of the state government of Khartoum.

April

• Tourism and Marketing Fair - held in Khartoum and aimed at encouraging internal and foreign tourism.
• Sham Al Nassim - spring holiday each April that is celebrated with dancing, music and other similar festivities.

May

• Mafrosh Book Fair - a second-hand book fair and exchange market, which has become popular with Sudan's intellectuals. The fair is held at Eteni Square in Khartoum.

June

• Revolution Day - June 30th, events are organised on the last day of June to mark the overthrow of Jaffar Numeiry in 1985.
• Cultural Festival, Sudan Gala Nights - held at a different venue each year to celebrate the arts and human sciences.

July

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

August

• Eid al-Fitr - a three-day event that celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival is held in mosques and within family homes, where relatives gather together to exchange gifts.
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September

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

October

• Khartoum International Music Festival - includes the participation of musicians from all over the world. Held over the course of a week.
• Khartoum International Book Fair - booksellers and publishers participate in this hugely popular book fair.
• Sufi Holiya Festival - a traditional festival of dance and music in Sudan. Hymns are sung and a parade is held.



November

• European Film Festival - held in Khartoum each November. Some Sudanese films are also screened.
• Islamic New Year - also known as the Hijri New Year. This marks the first day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar.



December

• Agro Food Khartoum - held at the International Exhibition Center in Sudan's capital. Showcases all things related to the country's food industry.