Traditional Festivals

Sudan's holidays and festivals are based on the Islamic calendar, as it is an Islamic country. Important days, such as the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, Mawlid an-Nabi, and Eid al-Fitr, which commemorates the end of a month of fasting, are celebrated widely throughout the country. However, there are a few non-Islamic gatherings that celebrate common cultures and life's pleasures.

Mawlid an-Nabi, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Mohammed, kicks off the Sudanese holiday season in February. This is one of the few Islamic festivals where visitors are welcome, as the festivities are moved from the home to the streets. The streets are lined with food and sweets stalls, and locals dance and sing until late at night. The mood is electrifying, and everyone is having a great time.

The popular Spring Holiday (Sham Al Nassim) is held every year in April, on the first Monday following the Christian Easter holiday. The cause for the event has yet to be discovered, but that does not stop locals and visitors from having a good time. The day is marked by musical performances, dance performances, and general revelry.