Events & festivals across Tanzania

July-December

Pemba

Clove harvest

The island's defining season, when hillsides and drying mats fill with buds and the air turns fragrant with cloves.

Events in Pemba

Dry-season festivals

Pemba

Pemba bullfighting (mchezo wa ng'ombe)

A Portuguese-influenced tradition unique to the island, where handlers taunt but do not kill the bull, staged in village arenas.

Events in Pemba

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pemba

Eid al-Fitr

The joyful end of Ramadan, celebrated across the devout island with feasting, new clothes and family gatherings.

Events in Pemba

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pemba

Maulid

Celebrations marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed with recitations and processions in the towns.

Events in Pemba

October-March

Mafia Island

Whale shark season

The peak months when whale sharks gather to feed off Kilindoni and snorkelling trips run daily, weather permitting.

Events in Mafia Island

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Mafia Island

Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan, celebrated across the largely Muslim island with feasting, prayers and family gatherings.

Events in Mafia Island

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Mafia Island

Maulid

Celebrations marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed with recitations and processions in the villages.

Events in Mafia Island

Dry-season months

Mafia Island

Dhow fishing season

The calmer months when Kilindoni's harbour is busiest with dhows landing and trading the day's catch.

Events in Mafia Island

February (annual)

Dar es Salaam

Sauti za Busara (regional draw)

East Africa's celebrated Swahili music festival is held in nearby Zanzibar, drawing Dar audiences across the ferry.

Events in Dar es Salaam

7 July (annual)

Dar es Salaam

Saba Saba (Trade Fair)

The Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair fills the Mwalimu Nyerere grounds with exhibitors from across Africa and beyond.

Events in Dar es Salaam

8 August (annual)

Dar es Salaam

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)

A national agricultural holiday marked with fairs, exhibitions and public celebrations.

Events in Dar es Salaam

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Dar es Salaam

Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan is a major festival on the Muslim-majority coast, with feasting, new clothes and family gatherings.

Events in Dar es Salaam

9 December (annual)

Dar es Salaam

Uhuru (Independence Day)

National independence celebrations with parades and public events across the city.

Events in Dar es Salaam

Roughly September/October (annual)

Bagamoyo & Pwani

Bagamoyo Arts Festival

A vibrant festival hosted by the arts college featuring music, dance, drama and drumming from across Tanzania and beyond.

Events in Bagamoyo & Pwani

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Bagamoyo & Pwani

Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan is celebrated across the Muslim-majority coastal town with feasting and family gatherings.

Events in Bagamoyo & Pwani

Varies (Islamic calendar)

Bagamoyo & Pwani

Maulid (Prophet's birthday)

Religious processions and celebrations mark this important date in the coastal Swahili calendar.

Events in Bagamoyo & Pwani

8 August (annual)

Bagamoyo & Pwani

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)

A national agricultural holiday marked with fairs and exhibitions across the Pwani region.

Events in Bagamoyo & Pwani

November (annual)

Tanga

Battle of Tanga commemoration

Local remembrance of the famous 1914 First World War battle, with heritage interest around the town's historic sites.

Events in Tanga