West Africa's cultural center hosts FESPACO film festival, traditional performances at Moro-Naba palace, and vibrant art markets. The city's three distinct seasons shape daily life.
Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is a major artistic center in West Africa. You can watch traditional performances at the Moro-Naba palace every Friday, explore contemporary African art at the National Museum, or join thousands of film enthusiasts during FESPACO, Africa's largest film festival. Local artisans sell their crafts at the central market, while musicians perform regularly at venues throughout the city.
Getting Around Ouagadougou
You can fly into Thomas Sankara International Airport from European cities and West African capitals. A passenger rail connects to Abidjan in Ivory Coast, and paved highways lead to Niger, Ghana, and other neighboring countries. In the city center, green taxis run on main roads, and public buses follow set routes through central neighborhoods. In newer areas beyond the center, you'll need to use dirt roads and informal minibuses.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Ouagadougou has three distinct seasons. During the rainy season (May to September), temperatures average 28°C (82.4°F). The cool season (October to February) brings temperatures down to 16°C (60.8°F). In the hot season (March and April), temperatures reach 43°C (109.4°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening during hot months.
Cultural Festivals
Every two years, FESPACO brings African cinema to theaters and outdoor screens across the city. The International Art and Craft Fair (SIAO) hosts artisans from across Africa. Musicians gather for the Pan-African Music Festival (FESPAM), while the International Theatre and Marionnette Festival (FITMO) brings theater and puppet performances to local stages. Check event dates before planning your visit, as these festivals happen at different times throughout the year.
La Maison du Peuple
French architect René Faublée designed this concrete building after Burkina Faso's independence in 1960. The structure uses roof lanterns for natural cooling and ventilation. You can attend concerts and events here, though the building needs renovation. University of Ouagadougou architecture students document the building's condition as part of preservation work.
Markets and Urban Life
At the central market, you'll find vendors selling wax-print fabrics, leather goods, and metalwork across several blocks. Local industries produce cotton textiles, soft drinks, and shoes. The city has expanded significantly since 1960, growing from its original center near the Moro-Naba palace. Today, concrete buildings stand alongside traditional mud-brick houses, each neighborhood maintaining its own character.
