Are You Ready for Detty December?

Detty December refers to the festive celebrations that occur in Africa throughout December, especially between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The term “Detty” comes from Nigerian Pidgin and is a play on dirty, meaning to enjoy and live freely. Many tourists and diasporans return home to enjoy the Detty December festivities and spend time with loved ones and friends. Beach parties, concerts, and festivals are held all across the continent. It’s a magical time, with good food, endless parties and sleepless nights.

These are the Top 5 Places you should go to have a festive season in Africa.

#1 ~ Lagos, Nigeria

The place where it started takes the top spot. Afrobeats performers, beach parties, music festivals and the Calabar Carnival make Nigeria the place to be in December. Detty December Fest is happening in Lagos from December 6th thru 31st.

#2 ~ Accra, Ghana

Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return brought an influx of tourists, and they’ve been returning every December to continue the celebrations, with concerts, parties and beach fun. LaSunday starts the party off on December 27th. The AfroFuture concert is back on December 28th and 29th, with several local headliners including Asake and Moliy, and their NYE party is on December 31st.

#3 ~ Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

Abidjan often flies under the radar, but it is West Africa’s hottest Francophone city. December December features a number of concerts, cultural festivals, beach parties and festive celebrations. LaSunday has their big yearend party on December 21st. The Mother Africa Festival is back on December 27th and 28th, with acts including Diamond Platnumz, Rema and Asake. LaSunday has their big yearend party on December 21st.

#4 ~ Cotonou, Benin

Benin is joining the Detty December fun in 2025, with the We Love Eya music and cultural festival on December 27th and 28th, featuring Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and others.

#5 ~ Cape Town, South Africa

Though South African celebrations are typically more subdued than West Africa, there’s still plenty of fun in Cape Town, especially on NYE when the city comes alive with fireworks, music festivals and parties galore. Cabo Beach has multiple parties between December 6th and 28th. LaSunday brings the party to South Africa on New Years Day. AfroFuture brings the Afro Vibes party on January 3rd.

Hopefully, you’ll join the fun somewhere on the continent. Check the hashtag #dettydecember to find many more events.