Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD) is an unrivalled African Dance festival held as a
means to promote peace and unity on the African continent.
Dance as an important part of African culture dates as far back as the earliest
documentation of African history. The role played by dances in traditional African
community went beyond entertainment fostering peace and unity, bringing peoples and
communities closer together.
FESPAD was created out of the realization that dance still holds the same importance
in the social, political and economic fabric of the continent and continues to promote
integration, peace and unity.
The theme for the 8th FESPAD “The spirit of expression” is apt as it fits into the overall
objective of the festival which is to bring together Africa through dance. In Africa,
dances teach social patterns and values and help people work, mature and praise
members of the community hence FESPAD 2013 will provide a platform for African to
express their dance styles, moves while celebrating the spirit of oneness!