Colors of Dakar - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Dakar is the most western city of continental Africa. It is because of this fact that it became the city as we know it today. The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of the name of the capital of Senegal is, of course, the notoriously famous Paris-Dakar Rally. Today it is held in South America and is simply called the Dakar Rally. The reason for this was the fears of terrorist attacks in 2008. Nevertheless, people still remember that the rally was originally organized here, and locals are very proud of this fact.

Dakarians do not know how to be sad - at least it's not easy to notice despondent people among them. They are smiling, always in a good mood, have a relaxed attitude towards life, in which, it seems, there are absolutely no problems. And their attitude is worth learning from - they are not used for depressions on any occasion, just like complicating the life that is complicated enough already. Their color can be first and foremost felt in local markets, so never hesitate to bargain - this is what Dakar sellers are best in. Be sure to check whether it's true or not.

If needed, one can always ask for help from local residents, they never refuse because of their friendly nature. They are also distinguished by politeness and tactfulness - here it is customary to greet everyone and everywhere. Since a large number of immigrants live in the capital of the peanut republic, local traditions are quite peculiar and interesting. This is something many travelers come to Dakar for, because exploring the local culture can be a pleasant pastime. One of the rules is that it is forbidden to touch the head of any person - such a gesture may be regarded as a sign of disrespect. When visiting homes and mosques, shoes must be removed at the entrance. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Locals speak such dialects as Wolof, Pulaar, and Yola, but all Senegalese are fluent in French and speak it with tourists. The main products of Senegal are cereals, including rice, millet, maize, fish, and seafood. Must-try dishes include “chebu yap” (rice with meat and vegetables in a tomato sauce), “Maafe” (meat in a peanut and coconut milk sauce), “Cauchon -de-light-o-fur” (suckling pig), “Thieboudienne” (boiled fish with rice and sauce), “Pastels” (pancakes with fish and vegetables). It is also worth trying sauces - in the country, it is very popular to prepare sauce for any dish, they are very diverse. Among popular drinks are coffee with pepper and cloves, tea with mint, and a common alcoholic drink is local beer (Gasel, Flag).

Festivals held in the capital of Senegal always attract a large number of visitors wishing to learn more about the local culture, which is not surprising given its multifacetedness. At the end of March, Dakar Music Week starts - a music festival dedicated to the country's Independence Day, which is celebrated on April 4. Among its headliners are bands from Senegal playing in different genres, so this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with original Senegalese music. Here, music combines modern sound and African roots, which gives an interesting mix that will definitely surprise even the most sophisticated music fans. The venue is Relax Beach Club.

Another interesting musical event takes place in the middle of November - Dakar Music Festival dedicated to electronic music. It is held at Hotel du Phare and Le Vogue nightclub. Performers from West African countries are invited to the festival. In addition to the musical program, performances and a stand-up show are prepared for the audience. The aim of its organizers is to ensure that all visitors are well-entertained. Therefore, a very intense and extensive program is prepared, and popular headliners attract many local residents and guests of the city.

You can enjoy art throughout May - the thing is that at this time the famous festival called Dak’Art Biennale takes place here. It is held every two years in even years. During its holding, more than 200 exhibitions are shown to visitors, the venues are art galleries, clubs and hotels located in the city. It is dedicated to contemporary art, and among artists who present their works one can meet both those born in Senegal and people from other countries of the world. This is one of the biggest events in the festival calendar of West Africa.

Another interesting and famous event throughout the region is the Gorée Diaspora Festival. This is the time when Senegalese rethink their origin, which begins with their advent to the continent from the island of Horus. The program includes musical, dance and theatrical performances, and all this can be seen on the main streets. In addition, conferences and meets-and-greets are available to the public; speakers talk to the people about the history of Senegal so that nothing of their history, even the darkest spots, is left without attention.

In the middle (sometimes at the end) of May, dance lovers come to the capital of the peanut republic for the sake of Kaay Fecc, or Festival international de toutes les danses. Here you can enjoy modern as well as folk and ballroom dances - dancers from all over the world present their performances. However, the main focus is on the host country's dance traditions, and this is why visiting the festival is an excellent opportunity to get to get closer acquainted with the local culture. Center Culturel Blaise Senghor serves as the venue for the festival.

April 4 is a national holiday in the peanut republic and, of course, the most impressive events in honor of gaining independence in 1960 are held in its capital. The program includes military parades on the central streets of the city, tasting local dishes, music, circus, theatrical and dance performances. By the way, this is one of the best events in Senegal, and not least due to wide celebrations taking place at this time, so visitors of the holiday are always happy to witness it.