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The Dakar Carnival is three days of festivities in the heart of the city, the last weekend of November.
How are these 3 days going?
Process
The Dakar Grand Carnival takes place around the Place de la Nation. The choice of this place, located at the crossroads of the 4 popular districts of the City, makes the event particularly accessible to the general public.
The people in the spotlight
An event to enhance and promote the cultural diversity of Senegal, the Carnival of Dakar focuses on a culture each year, while representing the diversity of the country. The culture in the spotlight thus has the possibility of going more in depth in pedagogy, all in a festive and convivial spirit. Thus, plays telling the story, dances, musical instruments or even gastronomy, children and adult spectators learn more at the end of the carnival. The previous years were in the spotlight: 2019 the congnaguis, 2021 the Lébous. In 2022 we will discover the culture of the Haal Pulaar.
The locality in the spotlight
The Carnival of Dakar is an event designed to introduce Senegal to Senegalese and their foreign friends. It is also a platform that allows the different regions to enhance and promote their know-how. Thus each year we honor one or more municipalities in particular. 2021 the Municipality of Gandiaye made a trip in force, accompanied by their Mayor Pape Songdé Diop, and Buur Gandiaye (Traditional King) particularly involved in the promotion of their land. Renowned traditional artists, young artists of urban culture, local products, gastronomy, youth, cultural diversity: all the creativity of this typically Serer commune was present in a wonderful spirit of openness and conviviality. They have each in their own way, told the story of their ancestral Commune whose Totem is a mysterious baobab tree with a horizontal trunk. We all loved Gandiaye!
Conference
The Grand Carnaval de Dakar opens with a conference on culture and its link with development. The 1st edition discussed the link between culture and tourism with Professor Pape Massène Sène (see his interview) . " Senegal, a country of great cultural diversity: an attractive asset and a rich economic potential for tourism". 2022 we will talk about Sports and Culture.
The opening ceremony
On Friday, the 1st day of the Carnival, the official opening ceremony of the Carnival is held by the officials and the partners. 2021 the opening was announced by the Government Spokesperson, Mr. Oumar Gueye, Minister of Territorial Communities, Development and Regional Planning. In the presence of all our partners who were able to visit the stands and admire the show delivered by the artistic troupes.
Children's activities
A family event, the carnival offers activities aimed at children. Parents and children stroll through the stands to discover the different cultures, have their make-up done by the very young make-up artist LiJo (15 years old) and then follows the Children's Parade which brings together children of all ages, dressed in outfits traditional. The Children's Parade is a highlight of the carnival, a particularly moving moment for parents and spectators. In 2022 the children's area will be enriched and sports play areas added .
Parade
Highlight of Carnival, it begins at the end of the day and ends in the evening. It is a parade of troops representing different regions and different peoples. In 2019, the Coniaguis were in the spotlight . The parade was opened and closed by a parade of motorcyclists, brass band and mounted cavalry of the National Gendarmerie.
The parade causes a blockade of certain roads and is supervised by the Prefecture, the SAMU and the fire brigade.
Open stage
We offer everyone the opportunity to perform a song, do a dance demonstration, propose a sketch, etc. The aim is to allow free and creative expression. This year, the scene saw the parade of the slammer RIFF, the Ivorian singer Sagui L, the dancers of the Kaay Fecc Festival, the DJ Tchoub Tchoub, or the Cogniagui ethnic groups.
Exhibition
Arts and crafts are representated by a 3 days exhibitions.
The Carnival village, located at Place de la Nation, becomes an exhibition space for cultural diversity and Made In Senegal. It is a place of discovery, meeting and conviviality. The 1st edition exhibited artisans from Senegal, young designers, young photographers and local products.
Photo caption: Expo of craftsmen from Senegal during the Grand Carnival of Dakar 2019
Gastronomy
Local gastronomies and street food are represented and local products sublimated during the 3 days.
Sunday is dedicated to a Grand Agn (Great Popular Meal). The first edition honored the national dish Thiébou Dieun , tasted in the traditional way, with the participation of the Collectif des Chefs de Dakar.
Meet at the Food Court
to discover regional cuisines
Don't miss the Grill Festival!
07:00 - 09:00
09:00 - 09:30
09:30 - 10:00
10:00
10:00 - 17:00
16:00 - 17:00
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
18:00 - 19:00
19:00 - 20:00
19:00 - 21:00
22:00 - 00:00
Clean Carnival Initiative
Public cleanliness is an essential element for the development of a harmonious, welcoming and sustainable living environment. A major issue in the daily life of Dakar residents, the Dakar Grand Carnival wanted to shine by offering visitors an attractive, festive, clean and healthy environment.
GS Urban Ecology, with the support of Kirène, supported the Dakar Grand Carnival in its eco-responsible approach thanks to several action levers, in particular:
reduce waste production upstream
share goals with the organizational team
set up a collection system (furniture and cleaning team)
educate visitors
use reusable dishes and paper cups
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