Kartong Festival
February
Dance and music performances take over the village of Kartong for this weekend festival. It's one of the best chances visitors have to watch a whole host of skilled traditional Gambian dancers and musicians.
International Roots Festival
May
Gambia's biggest event was inspired by Alex Haley's bestselling book (and the later TV miniseries) Roots. Evolving as a way for the Gambian diaspora to rediscover their African heritage, the festival is a celebration of Gambian culture and is staged biannually.
Kanilai International Cultural Festival
May-June
This 16-day extravaganza of Gambian music, song and dance in Kanilai attracts massive crowds of locals as well as foreign visitors. It takes place biannually, in opposite years to the International Roots Festival.
Bureng Cultural Festival
June
This showcase of African traditions takes place in Bureng Village in Gambia's Lower River Region. The festival highlights the music, dance, songs and crafts of Gambia. Jamoral Cultural Festival June Held in Bujinga Village in the West Coast Region, the Jamoral Cultural Festival is a four-day celebration of the family ties which cross the borders between Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. It is held on the Senegalese side of the border every other year (odd years).