A new festival focused on nomadic cultures is preparing to debut on Senegal’s Petite Côte. FINAFA, short for the Festival International des Nomades d’Afrique et d’Ailleurs, has announced a first edition scheduled for 30 January to 1 February 2026 in the Saly–Mbour area.
On its official materials, FINAFA describes itself as an initiative led by the Association ANEMIDHAL, created to valorise and preserve nomadic culture, which it says is increasingly threatened by sedentarisation and broader pressures tied to globalisation. The organisers present the festival as both a celebration and a civic space: a place for intercultural dialogue, artistic discovery, social reflection, and local development with a sustainability focus.
The programme outline points to a mixed format that goes beyond concerts. Plans highlighted on the festival website include talks and debates on nomadism, a craft fair referenced through a “Touareg tent” setting, a traditional fashion showcase, photo and film exhibitions, and intergenerational workshops
Music is still positioned as a central draw. The festival’s own website lists around 15 featured artists and presents a line-up that includes names such as Bombino, Vieux Farka Touré, Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, and Afel Bocoum, among others.
