Events

Essakane

The Festival in the Desert held annually in January since 2001 is incomparable to most other music festivals. Taking place in Essakane, outside the legendary town of Tombouctou (Timbuktu), the event is a celebration of the local music of the Tuaregs, other nomadic peoples as well as popular world music. Mali has a fascinating musical heritage boasting legends such as Ali Farka Toure and Salif Keita. The temperature may rise to over 100°F (40°C) at midday and during the evenings may drop below zero. Those wishing to attend should bear in mind that there are no hotels although there is much food available on site.

Venue: Essakane, 40 miles (65km) from Tombouctou; Dates: January 2009, TBC; Months: Jan; Website: www.festival-au-desert.org/index.cfm

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