Harmony in the Hills: Celebrating Culture, Conservation, and Community at the 13th Red Rocks Cultural Festival

Between August 29 and September 5, 2025, Musanze, at the base of the Virunga Mountains, will host the 13th Red Rocks Cultural Festival, a week of music, dance, and storytelling. This vibrant celebration showcases Rwanda’s rich traditions, artistry, and dedication to preserving its natural and cultural treasures.  From innovative types of showcases to intimate conversations around the region’s unique geosites, from hands-on farming demonstrations to bold discussions about protecting nature, the festival invites locals and visitors alike to witness how tradition and progress can move together in harmony.

As the sun sets, the spirit of community comes alive through Twataramye—an energetic blend of dance, drumming, song, and storytelling that stretches late into the night. The week builds toward a powerful finale: Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s beloved gorilla-naming ceremony, followed by the legendary Crazy Night of the Gorillas. More than a celebration, this festival is a call to action—supporting conservation, empowering local communities, and investing in the future of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.