Festivals & Events
Ancestors and Artistry: Your Guide to the Most Vibrant Sunday in the Ashanti Kingdom
In the heart of Kumasi, where the air often carries the scent of tropical rain and roasting plantain, lies a palace that holds the soul of the Asante people.
The Manhyia Palace isn’t just a residence; it is a living monument.
Every six weeks, this courtyard transforms into a sea of woven Kente and rhythmic drumming for the Akwasidae Festival. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the drums will beat once more, inviting the world to witness a spectacle of royalty, reverence, and profound heritage.
A Sacred Rhythm
Akwasidae is not a mere “performance” for onlookers; it is a sacred obligation. Following the Akan calendar, which operates on a 42-day cycle, the festival serves as a bridge between the living and the ancestors.
It is a moment for the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti, to commune with those who came before him, offering etor (mashed yam) and libations to ensure the continued prosperity of the kingdom.
For a nation that balances rapid modernization with deep-rooted tradition, Akwasidae is the anchor.
Seeing the Asantehene sit in state, surrounded by his sub-chiefs and the legendary Golden Stool (represented by its spiritual presence), is a reminder that some things are timeless.
Why You Should Make the Journey
If you are a traveler landing in Ghana for the first time, your journey is incomplete without Kumasi. While Accra offers the bustle of a metropolis, Kumasi offers the weight of history. Attending Akwasidae is the most immersive way to understand the Ghanaian psyche. You aren’t just reading about a kingdom in a textbook; you are standing in the middle of one. You will hear the Fontomfrom drums talk, watch the intricate hand signals of the linguists, and see the heavy gold jewelry that tells stories of ancient wealth and power.
For the native Ghanaian, Akwasidae is a homecoming. In an era of digital noise, there is something incredibly grounding about returning to the “Garden City.” The first ceremony of 2026 has already set a high bar, featuring a vibrant parade by the Royal Police Ladies and visits from top-tier dignitaries. The March 15th celebration promises to be even more expansive, blending the solemnity of ancestral rites with the vibrant energy of a community in celebration.
The Experience
Expect to arrive early. By 8:00 am, the palace grounds will already be humming. The dress code is naturally respectful; you will see the most exquisite Kente cloth on earth draped over shoulders like works of art. As the Asantehene makes his grand entry, carried in a palanquin under a massive, colorful umbrella, the energy is electric. It is a masterclass in diplomacy, culture, and pure, unadulterated African pride.
- Date: March 15, 2026
- Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Venue: Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
- Organizer: Manhyia Palace
Whether you come for the photography, the history, or the spiritual connection, you will leave Manhyia feeling like you’ve touched the very fabric of Ghana.
Festivals & Events
Velukusi Festival: Re-enacting the Ewe Escape to Freedom in Ve-Deme
Water splashes against an imaginary wall as people gather to witness one of the most powerful stories in Ewe history.
In Ve-Deme, in Ghana’s Volta Region, the Velukusi Festival brings an ancestral struggle for freedom into the present, transforming a story of oppression, courage and escape into a living act of remembrance.
Celebrated during the first week of October, Velukusi commemorates the traditional account of the Ewes’ escape from the cruel rule of King Aghorkoli in Togo. According to the story passed down through generations, the Ewes were held behind a formidable wall.
Determined to break free, they repeatedly poured water onto a section of the structure until it weakened and collapsed.
Their escape did not end with the fallen wall. To conceal their direction of travel, they walked backwards, leaving misleading footprints for those who might pursue them. This extraordinary detail has become a defining feature of the festival’s historical re-enactment.
Bringing Ancestral Courage to Life
During Velukusi, the community revisits the escape through a dramatic performance that allows younger generations and visitors to connect with the experience of their forebears.
The re-enactment gives physical expression to a story that speaks of collective determination, ingenuity and the enduring human desire for freedom.
The festival reaches its climax with a colourful display of traditional cloths and beads, followed by a grand durbar of chiefs.
Traditional regalia, customary leadership and communal gatherings place Ewe identity at the centre of the celebration.
A Living Heritage
For the people of Ve-Deme, Velukusi is more than a historical commemoration. It strengthens community bonds and keeps ancestral memory alive at a time when younger generations are increasingly exposed to global influences.
For visitors exploring Ghana, the festival offers an opportunity to encounter the Volta Region’s heritage through storytelling, ceremony and traditional craftsmanship.
Velukusi reminds us that freedom is worth remembering—and that experiencing the traditions of Ve-Deme is a meaningful way to understand the resilience of the Ewe people.
Festivals & Events
MaddFest 2027: Welcome the New Year with a Night of Celebration in Accra
As the festive season winds down, Accra has one more reason to stay awake. Live in Ghana – MaddFest arrives at Alora Beach Resort on January 3, 2027, promising six hours of nightlife and celebration for partygoers eager to keep Ghana’s festive spirit alive.
Organised by December in Ghana, an event organiser with experience hosting entertainment events, MaddFest forms part of the social energy surrounding Ghana’s popular festive season, when music, nightlife and gatherings draw locals and international visitors together.
A Night Out by the Beach
Scheduled for Sunday, January 3, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., the event offers an opportunity to experience Accra after dark in a beach resort setting.
While specific performers, food offerings and activities have not yet been detailed, the event’s late-night format promises an extended opportunity for guests to socialise and enjoy the city’s entertainment scene.
Ghana’s December festivities have grown into a major attraction for the diaspora and international travellers, with concerts, parties and cultural gatherings creating opportunities to reconnect with home and discover contemporary Ghanaian music and lifestyle.
Events such as MaddFest contribute to this atmosphere, where entertainment becomes a meeting point for different generations and cultures.
Why MaddFest Deserves a Place on Your Calendar
For visitors, MaddFest offers a chance to experience Accra’s nightlife beyond daytime sightseeing.
Ghanaians returning from abroad may also find it an opportunity to reconnect with friends and enjoy the country’s lively entertainment culture.
The event is not presented as a traditional cultural festival, but its social setting reflects the role music, dancing and shared celebrations play in Ghanaian life.
With Alora Beach Resort providing the setting, guests can plan a night out that extends into the early hours of Monday morning.
Whether you are visiting Ghana for the festive season or simply looking for another reason to enjoy Accra, Live in Ghana – MaddFest offers a date worth considering. Check the official event listing for ticket details and announcements before making plans.
Festivals & Events
LALID LIVE 2026: An Evening of Entertainment and Connection in Accra
When December arrives in Accra, the city begins to move to its own rhythm. Friends reunite, visitors return from abroad, and the nightlife fills with opportunities to meet new people and celebrate.
On December 4, LALID LIVE 2026 will add another gathering to the capital’s festive calendar, bringing guests together at Bloom Bar on Spintex Road.
A Night Out in Ghana’s Capital
Organised by AFROWAVE 2019, LALID LIVE is scheduled for Friday, December 4, from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The in-person event invites guests to enjoy an evening of entertainment and good company.
Although detailed information about the programme, performers and activities has not yet been provided, the event offers an opportunity to explore Accra’s contemporary social scene during one of the city’s busiest tourism periods.

Ghana’s December celebrations have become an important meeting point for residents, members of the diaspora and international travellers.
Alongside concerts, cultural festivals and nightlife events, these gatherings create spaces for reconnecting with friends, discovering new entertainment and sharing experiences across cultures.
Why Put LALID LIVE on Your Calendar?
For visitors, the event presents a chance to experience Accra beyond its daytime attractions, from historic landmarks to markets and galleries. Spending an evening at a local entertainment venue can offer a different perspective on how the city socialises and welcomes guests.
For Ghanaians returning home or looking for a night out with friends, LALID LIVE provides another opportunity to connect during the festive season.
Bloom Bar, located on Spintex Road, provides the setting for the gathering. Guests should check the official event listing for ticket information and any announcements about performances or additional activities before attending.
Whether you are visiting Accra for December or simply planning an evening out, LALID LIVE 2026 is worth considering as part of the city’s growing festive programme.
-
Reels & Social Media Highlights2 days agoGhana’s Timeline Erupts: Showboy’s Crude Plea, Asantewaa’s Silence, and a Nation Divided
-
Health & Wellness2 days agoThe Scale Can Lie: Why Lifting Weights May Help You Lose More Fat
-
Festivals & Events1 day agoVelukusi Festival: Re-enacting the Ewe Escape to Freedom in Ve-Deme
-
Taste GH1 day agoSimple, Nourishing and Rooted in Tradition: Discover Ghana’s Kapala
-
Fashion & Style2 days agoDressing for Your Shape: How Strategic Styling Can Transform Everyday Fashion
-
Health & Wellness1 day agoThe Weight-Loss Plateau: How Daily Movement and Hidden Calories Can Matter
