The ninth edition of the Afrika Gasteiz festival will take place on May 23 in La Florida Park, Vitoria-Gasteiz. This event aims to bring the cultural diversity of the African continent closer to the Basque citizens through music, dance, fashion, and gastronomy. The full-day festival will offer concerts, workshops, exhibitions, theater, and family activities, all with free admission.
Currently, Álava is home to 13,998 people born in Africa, making them the largest group within the resident foreign population in the territory. According to Eustat data, they represent 34.6% of the total foreign population. This festival seeks to be a bridge between the African community and other residents, as well as a showcase for the richness and diversity of the African diaspora.
The morning program will include a cultural fair where various entities will display traditional objects and projects from their countries of origin. Additionally, there will be open workshops for African braids and henna tattoos, along with guided tours of the exhibition Oihal Artean: the tradition of African fabrics. In the afternoon, there will be a children's storytelling session, a magic show in Euskera, social theater, dance competitions, and an African and Basque fashion show. The day will culminate with live music performances, featuring the Senegalese singer Zee Lelouma and the group Harresian Zulo.
“"This event seeks to build bridges, bring cultures closer, and strengthen coexistence based on mutual respect and recognition."
The Afrika Gasteiz festival is organized by several African associations in Vitoria-Gasteiz, with the collaboration of the Manuel Iradier Africanist Association. The funding for the event is supported by the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, the Vital Foundation, and the Basque Agency for Cooperation and Solidarity.
