Chad is one of Africa's most culturally diverse countries, with more than 100 different peoples, languages and traditions within its borders. Festival Dary is a chance for all of these groups to share their culture with each other and with visitors. You might see the slow, majestic dances of Sara communities from the south, followed by the energetic rhythms of Arab drummers from the north, and then a performance of Wodaabe singing — all in the same afternoon.
Traditional crafts are also a big part of the festival. Artisans set up stalls selling leatherwork, woven baskets, embroidered cloth, wooden carvings and jewellery made from silver and semi-precious stones. Many of these crafts have been made using the same techniques for hundreds of years, with skills passed from parent to child across many generations.
Food stalls at Festival Dary offer a chance to try dishes from all across Chad in one place. Visitors can taste boule with different regional sauces, grilled meat, fried fish, sweetened millet drinks and many regional specialities they might never have tried before. The festival turns N'Djamena into a celebration of everything that makes Chad unique.