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Mark your calendars for July 23, because it's time to celebrate PANAFEST – the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival! This festival was first established in 1992 as a way to promote cultural exchange and solidarity among people of African descent. It takes place every two years in Ghana, and features various events such as theatrical performances, music concerts, film screenings, and more. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich history and traditions of Africa. So get ready to immerse yourself in all things African culture on this exciting day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>PANAFEST Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) is founded in Ghana with the aim of acknowledging and celebrating the global African history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First PANAFEST Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural PANAFEST event takes place, celebrating the resilience of African culture and history through music, dance, and theatre.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of the Slave Trade Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>PANAFEST commemorates 200 years since abolition of transatlantic slave trade by honoring Africans who suffered and perished under it.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>PANAFEST is recognized by UNESCO for its role in promoting cultural exchange and bringing awareness to African heritage and rich culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pan African Emancipation Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>PANAFEST celebrations intertwine with the commemoration of Emancipation Day, marking the end of chattel slavery in the British Empire in 1834.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Year of Return</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 'Year of Return', PANAFEST provides a significant platform for African diaspora to return and engage in African culture.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a PANAFEST event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate PANAFEST is to attend one of the many events happening during the festival. From music concerts to art exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a cultural workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself in the culture of Africa by participating in a workshop that teaches traditional dance, music, or cooking. It's a great way to learn something new and have fun at the same time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a walking tour of historical sites</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>PANAFEST is not only a celebration, but also a time to reflect on the history and roots of African culture. Sign up for a walking tour of historical sites and learn about the important events and figures that shaped the African diaspora.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a PANAFEST themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a PANAFEST themed party! Decorate with traditional African decorations, serve African food, and play African music to create an immersive experience for your guests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local charity supporting African causes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate PANAFEST by giving back to the community. Find a local charity or organization that supports African causes and volunteer your time or donate to their cause.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>PANAFEST celebrates African heritage and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>PANAFEST (Pan-African Festival) is a biennial celebration of the African Diaspora and its connection to the continent. It brings together people from all over the world to celebrate their shared history, culture, and traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and solidarity within the African community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>PANAFEST serves as a platform for Africans and African descendants to come together, connect, and build stronger bonds. It fosters a sense of unity, pride, and solidarity within the community, promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation for one another.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>PANAFEST celebrates diversity and showcases the rich culture of Africa</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through various events such as theater performances, musical concerts, art exhibitions, cultural displays, and lectures, PANAFEST highlights the diversity of African cultures and showcases its vibrant and dynamic heritage. It's a time to celebrate the beauty, traditions, and creativity of Africa.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>PANAFEST's Original Concept Dates Back to the 1980s</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though officially established in 1992, the idea for PANAFEST was first discussed and conceptualised in the mid-1980s. Cultural activists and artists wished to establish a platform to examine the effects, aftermath and potential solutions of the transatlantic slave trade.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival was Initially Biennial</h3><p class='facts-content'>Originally, PANAFEST was a biennial event taking place every two years. However, due to its growing popularity and significance, it is now celebrated annually to have a consistent and stronger impact on African diaspora and cultural representation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educates about Issues Pertaining to Racism and Inequality</h3><p class='facts-content'>While PANAFEST is undoubtedly a celebration, it's also an educational event that promotes debate and discussion on significant historical events like the transatlantic slave trade, colonization and their consequent effects.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>PANAFEST Generally Follows a Theme</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, PANAFEST follows a central theme. These themes are carefully chosen to reflect significant aspects of African heritage, history, or current socio-political issues pertaining to the continent and its diaspora.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Symbolism of the Festival's Logo</h3><p class='facts-content'>The PANAFEST logo consists of a Sankofa bird symbol and broken shackles. The bird is a traditional Akan symbol denoting the importance of learning from the past, while the broken shackles represent freedom from enslavement and oppression.</p></div></div>
Panafest is celebrated on July 23 every year. In 2024 Panafest will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Jul 23
Sunday
2024
Jul 23
Tuesday
2025
Jul 23
Wednesday
2026
Jul 23
Thursday
2027
Jul 23
Friday
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