Welcome to Essakane, approx two hours from Timbouctou (Mali), and join the international festival: "festival au désert".
The festival is conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the Ministry of Artwork and Tourism, and is taken care of by Efès and Aitma (social groups). This is a three day festival, wherein talented groups from different countries release their energy: the talent and their arts.
As the festival has the patronage of two of the ministries in Mali, the media attention on Festival gave it a place among the Music Festivals. This festival incorporates international music, whilst maintaining its traditional aspects. Each of the three days is divided into two parts. During the day, it incorporates conferences, traditional games, and, camel rides etc. After sunset, begins the music – at its best.
The inception of the festival goes something like this: Initially, local communities used to create group gatherings, which incorporated a number of activities including camel races, folk songs, dances and much more. This gave the ministry of tourism, an idea to create an official fair including the activities mentioned above as well as music from across countries. This idea was formally brought into being in 2001, which turned out to be a grand success.
Whatever, be your reasons, I am thrilled at the very thought of spending 3 days in Sahara, among the locals with good music playing all night. These are some of the moments that I would like to capture and preserve for-ever.
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