- "Festival in the Desert" was held annually in the North of Mali, near Timbuktu
- Originated from the festivities and culture of the Tuareg people
Originally exclusively attended by Tuareg people, but as the in the late 2000's it was opened up to artists from other Malian regions, other African countries, and also from all over the rest of the world, including Bono who performed there with a Tuareg band in 2012
- The different Tuareg clans assemble from all across the deserts of Northern Africa, and return afterwards with food and supplies for their families
- Features songs and Tuareg dances, poetries, camel rides, and games
Originally exclusively attended by Tuareg people, but as the in the late 2000's it was opened up to artists from other Malian regions, other African countries, and also from all over the rest of the world, including Bono who performed there with a Tuareg band in 2012
- The festival takes three days and up to 30 artistic groups are invited from all around the world to present their art
- The Festival brings together the Tuareg people and leads to positive change for the community, but for the past 50 plus years their way of life has been marred by discrimination, violence and political tension
- These factors led to the discontinuation of the Festival after 2012, and unfortunately, it does not appear that things will change for the better
