Festivals & Fairs
From Tufo dance on the coastal islands to Macua craft fairs in the city — Nampula's cultural calendar is rich, diverse and authentic.
⭐ Event of the Year · June
Coastal Tufo Festival
The largest gathering of Tufo groups on the Nampula coast. Groups from Angoche, the Island, Nacala and Memba compete and celebrate together after Ramadan.
January
1 eventIslamic New Year Celebrations
The Island's Islamic communities celebrate the New Year with collective prayers at the mosque, Tufo music and community meals in the historic streets.
February
1 eventApril
1 eventMozambican Women's Day
A celebration with Tufo dance performances, exhibitions of women's crafts and a market of local products made by women's associations from across the province.
May
1 eventNorthern Food Week
Restaurants and local producers present the best dishes of the north — siri-siri matapa, grilled tiger prawns, Nacala-style fish and coconut and cashew sweets.
June
3 eventsCoastal Tufo Festival
The largest gathering of Tufo groups on the Nampula coast. Groups from Angoche, the Island, Nacala and Memba compete and celebrate together after Ramadan.
Independence Day — 25 June
A celebration of Mozambique's independence with military and civilian parades, music, traditional dances from various ethnic groups and speeches at the city stadium.
Mozambique Tourism Gala and Investment Forum 2026
Nampula hosts the country's largest tourism and investment summit for the first time.
July
1 eventMapiko Ceremony
The mask dance of the Makonde people — one of the most powerful ritual traditions in Mozambique. The carved masks represent ancestral spirits in initiation ceremonies.
August
1 eventMacua Craft Fair
Craftspeople from all over the province exhibit and sell basketry, ebony carvings, pottery, capulanas and traditional masks. The largest craft fair in northern Mozambique.
September
1 eventDhow Regatta
A traditional dhow race — Arab sailing boats — in the waters of the Island of Mozambique's bay. A tradition dating back to the days of the Arab and Swahili traders.
October
1 eventUNESCO Island Festival
A celebration of UNESCO status with photo exhibitions, guided tours of the Fortress of São Sebastião, concerts by local musicians and historic cuisine in the island's stone streets.
November
1 eventNampula Cashew Fair
A celebration of the cashew harvest — one of the most important crops in Nampula's economy — with tastings, cashew products and liqueurs, and an exhibition of local producers.
December
1 eventNew Year's Eve on Fernão Veloso Beach
The most special New Year celebration in northern Mozambique — live music, fireworks over the Indian Ocean and the best seafood on the coast, on one of Africa's most beautiful beaches.
Come and experience the culture up close
We tell you when each festival takes place and help you plan your trip around it.