Bamako's festivals: Théâtre des Réalités, percussion (Festip), Les Voix de Bamako, slam and humour
The festivals that animate Bamako through the year: Les Voix de Bamako in January, the International Percussion Festival (Festip) between March and April, the Théâtre des Réalités festival in early December every two years, the International Slam and Humour Festival. Origins, rhythm, and those held outside the capital.
Bamako runs on several festivals that return every year or every two years: theatre, percussion, traditional arts, slam. Here is what the sources say about each, with their usual dates. The editions cited by these sources are sometimes old: check this year's dates with the organisers before planning anything.
Before you travel: in October 2026, France and the United Kingdom advise against all travel to Mali, Bamako included. Read our page on safety and travel advice.
Key points
- Les Voix de Bamako: every year in January, at the Palais de la Culture, with free events.
- The Festip (percussion): every year between March and April, since 2004.
- The Théâtre des Réalités: every two years, one week in early December, created in 1996 in Bamako.
- The FISH (slam and humour): a festival launched by slam poet Aziz Siten'K, with an 8th edition planned for 2021 in Bamako.
The capital's festivals
Les Voix de Bamako (January)
A traditional African arts festival born in 2008, held every year in January at the Palais de la Culture Amadou Hampâté Bâ. Its success rests on the exceptional free admission to its events. See our page on Les Voix de Bamako.
The Bamako International Percussion Festival, or Festip (March-April)
The Festip has been held every year in Bamako since 2004, between March and April. It brings together groups from several African countries: Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, the Republic of the Congo and Mali from the first edition, then Senegal, Niger and Benin from 2006. It receives European Union support.
The Théâtre des Réalités festival (December)
Created in 1996 by Adama Traoré, an actor, director and drama teacher at the National Institute of the Arts in Bamako, this festival is run by the Acte SEPT association. Since its second edition (1997) it has grown through a partnership with the city of Angers, and it has been biennial since 2000. For one week in early December it brings together theatre companies from Africa and Europe, with dance, music and visual arts, public readings, talks and workshops for professionals. The 7th edition ran from 10 to 17 December 2004, themed "Women and stereotypes". It is presented as the symbol of street theatre, which aims to bridge traditional popular theatre and modern theatre. For context, see literature and theatre in Mali.
The International Slam and Humour Festival (FISH)
Launched in Mali by slam poet Aziz Siten'K, the FISH was celebrating its eighth edition in 2021 in Bamako, according to the source consulted. A Dogon Cultural Festival was also held in Bamako in 2018.
And outside Bamako
Other Malian festivals take place elsewhere in the country. In October 2026, France and the United Kingdom advise against all travel to Mali: don't consider any trip without reading our safety advice.
| Festival | Where |
|---|---|
| Festival on the Niger | Ségou (see the event) |
| Triangle du Balafon | Sikasso (10th edition from 5 to 8 November 2026) |
| International Masks and Puppets Festival | Markala, 15 km from Ségou, every two years |
| Festival in the Desert | Essakane |
| Dansa/Diawoura Festival | Bafoulabé |
| Kayes Médine Tambacounda Festival | Kayes and its region |
The Arts and Culture Biennale takes place every two years according to Wikipedia: it was held in Ségou in 2005 and Kayes in 2008, and the 2025 edition was held in Timbuktu (see the Bamako calendar 2026).
Going further
- The main performance venues: Bamako's cultural venues.
- Music: Malian music, griots and kora.
- The year's events: Bamako calendar 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Théâtre des Réalités festival?
Every two years, for one week in early December, in Bamako.
When is the Festip held?
Every year between March and April, since 2004.
Are Les Voix de Bamako paid?
According to the source, the festival's success rests on the exceptional free admission to its events.
Sources: Wikipedia (French), Culture du Mali, Bamako, Festival international de percussion de Bamako and Adama Traoré (écrivain); General Secretariat of the Government, Council of Ministers statement of 10 June 2026 (Triangle du Balafon) and of 11 September 2026 (Timbuktu 2025 Biennale), both in French.