Ghana like most other African nations has rich traditional cultures that differ from one ethnic group or tribe to the other. This cultural diversity is evidenced by the plethora of festivals, which are a good way to gain exposure to the dance, music, fashions and food of the indigenous people. Ghana has a festival every month of the year, and each one commemorates a Rite of Passage, a Change of Season, a Migration or a Festive Occasions. Some of the festivals celebrated annually include the DIPO PUBERTY RITES festival, which takes place in March/April, and the HOMOWO festival which is celebrated in August/September to celebrate the end of an historical famine.

Ashanti Kingdom

Kumasi, the capital of the erstwhile Ashanti Kingdom now known as the Ashanti region is a hotbed for individuals interested in the history and traditions of the Asante people. Within the city, one can visit the Kumasi Cultural Center and the Manhyia Palace and Museum.

These two sites provide visitors with insights to the historical events, which made the Ashanti Kingdom a great one.Of special interest in the region are the royally designated art and craft villages, which produce arts, crafts and fabric for the Asantehene's Court. BONWIRE, is home to traditional artisans who still practice the age-old art of weaving KENTE Cloth. The name Kente is derived from the Akan word KENTEN, which means basket. This cloth is worn on festive and important occasions and is usually worn by traditional dancers who perform ADOWA. In close proximity to Bonwire is ATONSU, a village where ADINKRA Cloth is produced.

An ancient stamping and ink dyeing technique is used in the production of this cloth and is a skill that is passed on from one generation to another. Traditional Adinkran Symbols, which connote wise sayings, proverbs and metaphors, are stamped onto plain fabric to create Adinkra Cloth. Two popular Adinkran symbols are GYE NYAME, which means “Accept God,” and SANKOFA, which means “Return and take it.” AHYIAA, the wood carving village was royally commissioned by the Asantehene to produce Stools (Ogua) which are traditional seats. Craftsmen involved in the trade expanded the items to include other carvings such as facemasks, animal figures, and abstract figures.