Image: Panafest.org
Marcus Garvey famously wrote: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Every few years, Black people across the globe pack their bags, get on a plane, and head to Ghana, not for lounging in exotic hotels or safari tours, but for something more powerful that feeds their soul – PANAFEST. It’s not just a trip; it’s a return to their roots, culture, and history. It is a homecoming like no other.
The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, as it was known at its inception, and now Pan-African Festival (PANAFEST), reconnects the diaspora with other Africans on the continent, promotes healing, and celebrates African culture through performances, discussions, and ceremonies.
What is PANAFEST?
The festival dates back to the mid-1980s when the late Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland proposed it as a means of bringing together Africans on the continent and in the diaspora. Her paper titled “Proposal for a Historical Drama Festival in Cape Coast” served as the genesis of PANAFEST, which was born out of a desire to confront the legacy of slavery and colonialism while celebrating African resilience and unity.
Since its inception in 1991 and official launch in 1992, it has grown into a movement that has challenged the status quo, inviting the world to see Africa through a new lens, one that celebrates diversity, strength, resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable ties that connect the continent to those in the diaspora.
PANAFEST highlights African culture through art, blending music, dance, theater, spiritual ceremonies, and dialogue to confront the painful legacy of slavery and colonization. It provides an opportunity for African artists to step into the spotlight and express their creativity.
This event is held every two years in Ghana, bringing thousands from Africa and the diaspora who gather in a shared journey of healing, dialogue, and celebration. The Gold Coast comes alive with rhythm, color, and reverence. There are different activities like traditional drumming and dancing, scholarly discussions, and pilgrimage-like visits to Ghana’s historical sites, like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, which were pivotal in the transatlantic slave trade. These “Door of No Return” sites evoke strong emotions that remind us of what our forefathers passed through.
The Festival Experience
The 2025 edition of the festival is themed: “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism.”
It will run from July 25 to August 2. There will be days of emotional healing ceremonies, pan-African arts, royal durbars, and diaspora naming rites. Some of the scheduled activities include:
- Travel to Tamale
- Slave Route Pilgrimage and Atonement ceremonies
- Concerts
- Boat ride from Door of (No) Return
- Wellness sessions
- Workshops
- Panel Discussions
- Pan African Food Fair
- Emancipation Day, which will consist of a wreath-laying programme
Get ready to experience the rhythmic beats of African drums fill the air as you wander through the bustling streets of Ghana. You are bound to feel joy as you witness the parades and processions light up everywhere, with participants dressed in vibrant traditional attire and proudly showcasing their cultural heritage.
Photo source: Instagram/ ghanatourismauthority
Impact on the Diaspora
For Black people in the diaspora, this festival matters a lot and here’s why:
Healing and spiritual reconnection: Many are still dealing with the scars from the trauma left by the transatlantic slave trade and its aftermath. I remember walking through the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle in 2019 with some other tourists. As we stood silent in front of “the door of no return,” where thousands of enslaved Africans touched the soil of their homeland for the last time before being shipped out, I could not help but feel a connection to the horrors our ancestors faced.
Black men and women from the diaspora get to participate in rituals and ceremonies of remembrance and renewal that allow for grief, healing, and closure. Standing on the very land from which their ancestors were taken, and the act of returning through the Door of No Return, this time renamed by some as the Door of Return, gives you the feeling that you’re not a descendant of slaves, but a descendant of survivors. Walking through that door is a way of saying, “We’re back. We survived. And we’re reclaiming our place.” This collective process, which allows the diasporans to acknowledge the pain of slavery, also fosters a powerful sense of unity. It offers some sort of healing from the generational trauma.
Reclaiming identity: Imagine having a clearer picture of your heritage. PANAFEST, an event rooted in remembrance, healing, and reconnection, is a reminder of who we are, and for Black people around the world, the festival reminds them of their rich lineage, diverse cultures, and global influence from music and fashion to politics and spirituality. It helps them understand where they come from, so they can confidently face their future head-on.
By returning to the continent and connecting with the cultures of Ghana, diasporans can feel a sense of belonging. Walking the path their ancestors once took can easily replace feeling out of place in a world that often misrepresents African people. It fills you with a sense of identity, a sense of culture and heritage.
Photo credit: Panafest
Embracing Pan-African unity: PANAFEST encourages unity among all people of African descent, irrespective of where you are coming from, be it Europe, South America, or even Africa. This coming together offers diasporans an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, engage in cross-cultural dialogue, and form business partnerships. It also promotes a powerful sense of global Pan-African solidarity. The message is loud and clear – Black people worldwide are bound by a shared heritage and common destiny, no matter the distance between them.
For Black people globally, PANAFEST is not just any festival. It is an investment in your heritage, your identity, and your global family. It is a journey of self-discovery and collective healing, offering a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on all who attend. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Africa and the power of embracing one’s roots.
Whether you are a participant or an observer, PANAFEST is ready to help you reclaim your story, your strength, and your spirit. Get ready for an unforgettable journey where you will be celebrating the diversity and resilience of the African continent.
