Celebrating East African Culture: Highlights from SafariniFest 2025 on Danforth

Oct 03, 2025·By MYINLAW

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture

SafariniFest 2025 on Danforth was a spectacular celebration of East African culture, bringing together the vibrant traditions and rich heritage of countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. The festival transformed Danforth Avenue into a lively hub of music, dance, food, and art, drawing hundreds of attendees eager to immerse themselves in the colourful world of East Africa.

A Festival Rooted in Community

SafariniFest is more than a festival; it is a vision carried by the East African Community organisations, and a coalition of community partners. Together, we transformed Robertson Parkette and the surrounding streets into a vibrant hub of music, food, art, and youth-driven creativity.

From the start, our mission was clear:

Celebrate our heritage – showcasing the traditions of Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, and beyond.
Empower small businesses – giving local entrepreneurs, chefs, and artisans a platform to shine.
Invest in youth leadership – ensuring the next generation has ownership of cultural spaces in Toronto.

Highlights of the Weekend

Art enthusiasts were treated to a stunning display of traditional and contemporary artworks from talented East African artists. The art exhibitions featured a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and beadwork, each piece telling a unique story of cultural identity and heritage.

✨ What We Celebrated

SafariniFest was more than an event — it was a celebration of resilience, roots, and rising voices. 100's people attended the two-day festival, with highlights that included:

Live music, drumming, and dance rooted in East African traditions
Free vendor booths offered to youth, newcomer, and women entrepreneurs, thanks to support from local businesses
Communal Art and craft, food, fashion, and coffee ceremonies that transported us “home” while grounding us in our shared Canadian experience.

Rhythms and Melodies

The music at SafariniFest was nothing short of spectacular. A diverse lineup of performers took to the stage, showcasing the region's rich musical traditions. From the rhythmic beats of benga and taarab to the soulful sounds of taarab and Afrobeat, there was no shortage of captivating performances.

Festival-goers were encouraged to join in on the fun, with dance workshops teaching popular East African dances like the mwagwi and the kiganda. It was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with the culture through movement and rhythm.

A Festival That Builds Bridges

SafariniFest was not just about East Africa. It was about Toronto. The event created space for everyone – newcomers, long-time residents, artists, families, and business owners – to come together. It was about cultural pride, yes, but also about connection, belonging, and economic empowerment.

Community Spirit

SafariniFest 2025 was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of community and cultural exchange. The festival fostered a sense of unity among attendees, providing a platform for people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of East African culture.

The event succeeded in creating a space where people could learn from one another, share stories, and forge lasting connections. It was a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and appreciation in today's interconnected world.

Thank You, Toronto🤝 Partnerships That Made It Possible

This festival wouldn’t have happened without the support of our local community leaders, including the offices of MP Julie Dabrusin, MPP Peter Tabuns, and Councillor Paula Fletcher. We’re especially grateful to the Danforth Mosaic BIA for helping us engage small businesses and to city staff who worked with us to secure key permits — even at the last minute!This festival would not have been possible without our volunteers, vendors, artists, sponsors, and the City of Toronto. We are grateful for the countless hours of work, the energy of our youth, and the commitment of our partners. Together, we created something unforgettable.

Looking Ahead

SafariniFest is only the beginning. Each year, we aim to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful. The feedback we gather from participants, vendors, and artists will guide us in shaping an even brighter future for this celebration.

👉 Stay Connected: Visit safarinifest.com, follow us on Instagram, and share your stories from the festival. Together, let’s keep building a Toronto where every culture is celebrated and every community feels at home.

🙌 How You Can Get Involved

Volunteer with our year-round community initiatives
Sponsor the 2026 festival or support one of our youth entrepreneurs
Share your story — whether you’re from East Africa or a neighbor who joined us for the first time