African and Caribbean Celebrations Calendar

Through the year

African and Caribbean celebrations

Independence days, national days and cultural dates our customers celebrate, month by month, with the traditional hairstyles that go with them. A good excuse for fresh braids, a head wrap in your flag colours and a party look.

01

January

  • 1 JanSudanIndependence Day
  • 1 JanKwanzaaLast day
02

February

  • 7 FebGrenadaIndependence Day
  • 18 FebThe GambiaIndependence Day · Style: Fulani braids
  • 22 FebSt LuciaIndependence Day
03

March

04

April

  • 4 AprSenegalIndependence Day · Style: Senegalese twists
  • 18 AprZimbabweIndependence Day
  • 27 AprSierra LeoneIndependence Day
  • 27 AprSouth AfricaFreedom Day · Style: Bantu knots
05

May

  • 20 MayCameroonNational Day · Style: Fulani braids
  • 24 MayEritreaIndependence Day · Style: Shuruba
  • 25 MayAfrica DayAcross the continent · Hair traditions
  • 26 MayGuyanaIndependence Day
06

June

  • 1 JunKenyaMadaraka Day · Tradition: Maasai braids
  • 22 JunWindrush DayUnited Kingdom
  • 30 JunDR CongoIndependence Day · Tradition: Mangbetu crown
07

July

  • 1 JulSomaliaIndependence Day
  • 1 JulRwandaIndependence Day
  • 6 JulMalawiIndependence Day
08

August

  • 1 AugEmancipation DayCaribbean
  • 6 AugJamaicaIndependence Day · Style: Locs
  • 7 AugIvory CoastIndependence Day
  • 31 AugTrinidad and TobagoIndependence Day
  • Bank holLeeds West Indian CarnivalAugust bank holiday weekend
09

September

  • 11 SepEthiopiaNew Year, Enkutatash (12 Sep before a leap year) · Style: Shuruba
  • 19 SepSt Kitts and NevisIndependence Day
10

October

  • All monthBlack History MonthUnited Kingdom · Hair traditions
  • 1 OctNigeriaIndependence Day · Style: Threading and shuku
  • 9 OctUgandaIndependence Day
  • 24 OctZambiaIndependence Day
  • 27 OctSt Vincent and the GrenadinesIndependence Day
11

November

  • 1 NovAntigua and BarbudaIndependence Day
  • 3 NovDominicaIndependence Day
  • 11 NovAngolaIndependence Day
  • 30 NovBarbadosIndependence Day
12

December

  • 9 DecTanzaniaIndependence Day · Tradition: Maasai braids
  • 12 DecKenyaJamhuri Day
  • 26 DecKwanzaaBegins, runs to 1 January

Get ready for your day

Braiding hair comes in bright greens, golds, reds, blues and blacks, so you can braid in your flag colours. Add a head wrap, lay your edges and finish with lashes. For the styles behind each country, see our African and Caribbean hair traditions guide.

Hair traditions guideBraiding hairBright Xpression coloursScarves and head wrapsEdge controlHair beadsEyelashesTemporary hair colour

More to read: Afro-Caribbean heritage · Black-owned brands · Leeds Carnival · South Asian celebrations · Gift sets

Have we missed your day?

This list is not complete. If your country or celebration is missing, tell us and we will add it.

Call 0113 249 5562Email us

Dates are the usual dates each year. Some countries move the public holiday when it falls on a weekend. A style listed next to a country is one tradition from that country, not the only one.