What you need to know- Brief History Pan-African Historic Festival commonly called PANAFEST was instituted by the Ghana Government in the mid 1980s after the submission of a proposal by the late Dr (Mrs) Efua Sutherland. It is a major biennial event of cultural forum for Africans and people of African descent as well as friends from other parts of the Continent. The festival is a celebration of African cultural values, history and civilization which the festival consciously makes a site for confronting the effects of enslavement, purging the pain of the diaspora, acknowledging the residual effects of the trade on the African continent and re-uniting to forge a positive future in the contemporary global environment. The venues for the Panafest are the historical towns of Cape Coast, Kumasi, Tamale and Accra-Ghana. What to expect during this year’s PANAFEST This year’s Panafest which begins on Dec 4, and ends on Dec. 12, is fully structured to ensure that you explore the beauty of Ghana by touring the nation, visiting historic and exciting places as well as socializing with people from different nations and cultural backgrounds. On your arrival in Accra, Ghana, you will be welcomed with an intriguing traditional welcome ceremony which includes cultural drumming and dancing, pouring of libations, welcome drink and orientation as you enjoy the delight of the African sun. The next two days will be spent touring the city of Accra where you will have a drive through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana which has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarize her history. You will visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, the place where Dr. Dubois, an American academic and civil rights champion once worked, the Independence/ Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, significant landmarks in the city and the Arts Center, where different artifacts from Ghana and West Africa are sold in an open-air market. Tamale, in the Northern region of Ghana, will be your next stop where you explore the beauty of the city. The villagers also believe that atonement is sealed as your feet are washed which signifies an act of humility and a plea for forgiveness. This will end with joyous celebration amidst traditional drumming, dancing and feasting. Your next trip will be to Kumasi in the Ashanti region, popularly called the Garden City because of its many beautiful species of flowers and plants. You will be visiting historic sites such as; the former slave markets of Kintampo and Assin Bono; the Kintampo Waterfalls to experience the cool and refreshing atmosphere created by nature; Monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people; the three famous craft villages in the Ashanti Region- Ahwiaa (the wood carvers’ village), Ntonso (the home of Adinkra) and Bonwire (the Kente weaving village) where you see how West African crafts are made and buy directly from the artisans who make them; the legend of the famous Ashantis at the Manhyia Palace Museum where you will also obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom and finally the National Cultural Center, featuring the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and the studios of various potters, brass and batik makers. The climax of Panafest, which is the Emancipation Day Celebration, is opened with a Grand Durbar of Traditional Chiefs and people of the Central Region. You will witness this grand and colorful event that showcases the splendor of Ghana's traditional rulers, dressed in rich Kente and adorned in glittering gold jewelry and also discover the African rhythm in you as you dance to the beat of the alluring 'Fromtomfrom' drums. You will experience the historic sites of Elmina and Cape Coast Castles and also be delighted as you view the beauty of Kakum National Park. You will end the tour in Accra as you prepare for your return after the 10 day event. All these and many more await you at PANAFEST 2015. You don’t want to miss this fun and educative event. We at Landtours Ghana Ltd are looking forward to hosting you. We assure you of a memorable and exiting stay in Ghana. You are WELCOME.