Le Fanal

It doesn't get much better than Le Fanal (the lantern) in Saint Louis for a Carnival-like celebration in Africa. This vibrant event dates back to the 18th century and is based on a ceremony that some of the city's wealthier families used to perform.

The Fanal is a centuries-old custom that has undergone different historical alterations, and the current festival is a revival designed to boost Saint Louis' tourism potential. The Fanal is one of the most famous festivals in Senegal that reflects on Senegal's past and commemorates its history. The Fanal does not stop at presenting a tale that may be perceived as a Senegalese history; it also relives the past in the present, as if to bring the past into the present.

This traditional light procession, held at night between Christmas and New Year's Eve, has its origins in the signares' lantern-lit marches to midnight Mass. It now serves as a reminder of Saint-Louisian heritage and the town's distinct character. People dress up in extravagant costumes and adorn massive lanterns that float through the city's colonial streets during the celebration.

Takes place: the last week of December