Regional/Cultural Day
Fête de l'Afrique
The anniversary of the founding of the African Union in 1963. The day is observed with cultural events, music, and the wearing of African fabrics. The Mauritanian identity is both Arab and African : the country is a bridge between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa : and the day is a reminder that Mauritania belongs to both worlds. The Haratin community, who trace their ancestry to Sub-Saharan African populations and who constitute up to 40% of the population, use Africa Day to celebrate their cultural heritage, including the griot musical traditions and the ardin harp music that dates back to the ancient Ghana and Songhai empires.
