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.
Why it matters
AFRICAN HERITAGE
African World Heritage Day is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Africa, with a strong focus on preservation.
THE STORY
African World Heritage Day is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Africa, with a history dating back to May 5, 1976, when the Organization of African Unity – now known as the African Union – launched the project.
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.
The preservation of African cultural heritage is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of all stakeholders.
WORTH KNOWING
Cultural Heritage
Learn about African cultural heritage sites and their significance.
Natural Heritage
Discover the importance of preserving African natural heritage sites.
African Art
Explore the rich and diverse art of Africa.
African Literature
Read about African literature and its contributions to world literature.
AROUND THE WORLD
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.
READ MORE
African Cultural Heritage
Author · 2020
A comprehensive guide to African cultural heritage sites.
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe · 1958
A classic novel about African culture and heritage.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Junot Díaz · 2007
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about African diasporic culture.
The African Origin of Civilization
Cheikh Anta Diop · 1974
A historical book about the origins of African civilization.
PAIR IT WITH
African cultural heritage is a global treasure.
African cultural heritage sites are significant.
African literature is a significant contributor to world literature.
African art is diverse and rich.
Celebrate African Heritage
Join the celebration and promote African cultural heritage by sharing this post with your friends and family.
How 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.
Celebration ideas by audience
For families
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
For kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
For couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
At the office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
At school
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
In your community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
On your own
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.