Rwanda — Events
Tour of Rwanda
November 1, 2011 - November 30, 2011
This international cycling race is the first of its kind in East Africa and in the past two years has become the biggest event in Rwanda’s history, attracting more than 3 million spectators. Rwanda has it’s own cycling team, one member of which will be competing in the mountain bike category of the London 2012 Olympics.
Genocide Memorial Day
April 7, 2012
Each year a huge crowd gathers at the stadium in Kigali to mark the beginning of the killings in 1994. It is a disturbing event during which there are songs, poems and the president gives a speech. These are interrupted by wails and cries from the crowd, many of whom have to be carried out by first aid staff.
Gorilla Naming Ceremony
June 1, 2012 - June 30, 2012
The traditional Kwita Izina naming ceremony in which community members suggest names for a new born infant has been adopted for the gorillas. Park guides suggest names for all young gorillas born in the past year, generally based on observed behavior and characteristics. The naming is accompanied by traditional music and dance and the event helps to raise funds for conservation. You can even “adopt” the gorilla of your choice.
Hillywood film festival
July 16, 2012 - July 30, 2012
Rwanda is developing a reputation as the center of a burgeoning film industry and its annual film festival is attracting talent from all over Africa. As well as screenings and workshops in the capital Kigali, screens are also erected for communities to view films in the rural areas.
