Events in Mali to plan for

Mali has a dynamic and diverse cultural scene. The events here often point to the complex customs and heritage of Malians. Most of the times, festivals in Mali are rich with music, dance, and storytelling which reflect West African culture.

One such grand spectacle is the Festival in the Desert that hosts Tuareg musicians and other performers from all over the globe. Another significant event is Bamako Biennale, bringing together contemporary art and performances from across Africa.

It is hard to choose which events we should publish. We are trying to include all the main ones, but if you would like to see another event added, please let us know at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We add events on a continuous basis. So if you want to stay informed of the latest information, please bookmark this page.

Festival on the Niger

The Festival on the Niger is one of Mali's most vibrant cultural events; it happens in Ségou every February. This seven-day celebration brings together artists, musicians and performers from all parts of Mali as well as beyond its borders. Tourists can listen to authentic Malian folk music, watch traditional dances or shop for locally made souvenirs while they come into contact with rich cultural heritage along Niger River’s banks. Furthermore, it also includes workshops, exhibitions as well as debates showcasing varied artistic traditions in Mali.

Dogon Mask Festival

The Dogon Mask Festival, also known as “Dama” takes place once after every sixty years where it pays tribute to departed souls while acknowledging significant life changes taking place within their communities. These celebrations happen at different Dogon villages involving highly decorated wooden masks, complex dances and ancient rituals. Dama represents an intense version of Dogon culture and belief that facilitates a glance into some exceptional customs typical of their ancestors’ relationship with them.