INTERNATIONAL DAY

African World Heritage Day

African World Heritage Day reminds us that the local story is part of a much bigger one — told in many languages and many kitchens.

MAY5

Wednesday, May 5Every year on May 5

days to go

Roots: 1976
Vibe: Cultural exchange and preservation
Also on May 5: Hoagie Day · Ketchup Day · Silence the Shame Day
Hashtag: #AfricanWorldHeritageDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate African World Heritage Day.

Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
Donate to an international organization doing good work.
Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Fast facts

More than 100African cultural and natural heritage sites are recognized by UNESCO

African World Heritage Day is celebrated across Africa and around the world

The story

African World Heritage Day is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Africa, proclaimed by UNESCO's 38th General Conference on November 16, 2015.

Read the full story

The day is observed on May 5th every year to promote the preservation of African cultural and natural heritage sites, which are not only important for the continent but also for the world at large.

The preservation of African cultural heritage sites is a critical aspect of African World Heritage Day, as many of these sites are facing threats from climate change, urbanization, and other human activities.

In recent years, there has been an increase in efforts to promote African cultural heritage, with many organizations and governments working together to preserve and protect these sites for future generations.

Did you know?

African Cultural Heritage

There are over 130 African cultural and natural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.

African World Heritage Day

The day is celebrated on May 5th every year.

African Union

The African Union is a key organization in promoting African cultural heritage.

Cultural Preservation

The preservation of African cultural heritage is a collective responsibility.

Natural Heritage

African natural heritage sites are facing threats from climate change and human activities.

African Art

African art is diverse and rich, with many different styles and techniques.

African Literature

African literature is a significant contributor to world literature.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

EGEgyptHome to many ancient cultural heritage sites, including the Pyramids of Giza.
ZASouth AfricaKnown for its diverse cultural heritage, including the ancient city of Mapungubwe.
NGNigeriaHome to many cultural heritage sites, including the ancient city of Kano.
KEKenyaKnown for its natural heritage sites, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
CDDemocratic Republic of CongoHome to many cultural and natural heritage sites, including the Virunga National Park.
TZTanzaniaKnown for its cultural and natural heritage sites, including the Serengeti National Park.