Festivals · Every six weeks · Ashanti

Akwasidae

The Asantehene sits in state, every six weeks

Akwasidae is the Asante festival that comes round every six weeks on a Sunday, following the 42-day Akan calendar. On the day the Asantehene, the king of Asante, sits in state at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, receiving chiefs and visitors amid drumming, horn-blowing and dancing, after rites for the ancestors. It is one of the most accessible royal ceremonies in Ghana.

Asante chiefs in kente and gold seated in state at Akwasidae in Kumasi
Chiefs in state at AkwasidaePaul5263 · CC BY-SA 4.0
When
Every six weeks (42 days), on a Sunday
Where
Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Kept by
The Asantehene and the Asante
Biggest
Adae Kese, the last Akwasidae of the year
Region
Ashanti

When is Akwasidae?

The Akan calendar runs in cycles of six weeks, and Akwasidae falls on a Sunday at the end of each, so there are eight or nine a year.12 In 2026 they fell on 1 February, 15 March, 26 April, 7 June, 19 July, 30 August, 11 October and 22 November; the next is on 3 January 2027.3

The last Akwasidae of the Asante year is Adae Kese, the biggest, with offerings of food and gifts to people in need.1

What happens

Before the public ceremony the Asantehene performs rites for the ancestors, including a visit to the royal mausoleum at Bantama.4 Then he sits in state at Manhyia, carried in a palanquin with drummers, dancers and horn-blowers, and chiefs, dignitaries and visitors come forward to greet him.4

Good to know if you go

  • Where: Manhyia Palace is in Kumasi; the Manhyia Palace Museum is on the same grounds.
  • Visitors: it is a formal royal occasion, but visitors are welcome. Dress respectfully and follow the palace officials.
  • Photos: ask before photographing the Asantehene or the rites.
  • Check first: confirm the date locally; an Akwasidae near Christmas may be moved or cancelled.
  • While you’re there: Kejetia market and the Kente villages of Bonwire and Adanwomase are close. See the Ashanti region page.

Questions people ask

What is Akwasidae?

An Asante festival held every six weeks on a Sunday, when the Asantehene sits in state at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to receive chiefs and visitors.

How often is Akwasidae held?

Every 42 days, at the end of each six-week cycle of the Akan calendar, always on a Sunday.

Can tourists attend Akwasidae?

Yes. It is a formal royal occasion, but visitors are welcome if they dress and behave respectfully.

What is Adae Kese?

The last and biggest Akwasidae of the Asante year.

Sources

  1. “Akwasidae Festival”, Wikipedia.
  2. “Asanteman welcomes Akwasidae”, Graphic Online.
  3. “Festivals of Ghana” (Akwasidae dates), Easy Track Ghana.
  4. “The rich traditions of the Akwasidae festival”, Ghana Remembers.

Last checked 16 October 2026. Spotted something wrong or know this year’s dates? Tell us.

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