Senegal: Traditional and Religious Festivals - Christian Festivals

CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS

o The Assumption : This Catholic feast commemorating the elevation of Mary with God is the greatest festive time of the summer for both Christians and Muslims. Throughout the country (but it is true especially in the Catholic Casamance and Petite Côte) festivals are organized. This is a great moment. We can not help but advise you to spend this holiday in two places where it is particularly lively: Oussouye in Lower Casamance and Fadiouth on the Petite Côte (photo: the church of Fadiouth). 

o All Saints : Christian festival of the dead. 

o Easter : If that's the most important Christian holiday religious point of view (it commemorates the resurrection of Christ), it translates as reccueillement and prayers without any festive event is organized. The Christians of Petite Cote and Casamance nevertheless celebrate it in the church with songs and music. 

o Christmas : As the New Year, Christmas take more and more importance in Senegal. The tradition of gifts starts to settle in many families and we even see Santa Claus in Dakar! The festival is nevertheless Catholic and has a religious character only for the minority of Christians of the country. Do not hesitate to go to midnight mass in a church in Dakar, Petite Côte or Casamance. 

o Pentecost : This Christian festival is the occasion of the annual pilgrimage of Catholics of Senegal. Thousands of pilgrims, including many young people, go on foot to Dakar.

o The Assension : Christian Day. 40 days after Easter, Jesus, like the prophet Elijah, leaves his family and "rises" to "the father." He promises to send the Spirit of God to his apostles. 

SOURCE:  http://www.planete-senegal.com/senegal/fetes_traditions_senegal.php