| Holiday Name: | Hausa Day |
| Type: | national |
| Official Name: | Hausa Day |
| Observedby: | Hausa people |
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Frequency: | annual |
| Date: | 26 August |
| Scheduling: | same day each year |
| Celebrations: | Cultural and educational events |
Hausa Day (Ranar Hausa), formally known #RanarHausa, is an annual cultural celebration observed on the 26th of August by the Hausa people, a prominent ethnic group found in West Africa. This day serves as an opportunity for the global Hausa community to come together and celebrate their rich cultural heritage, traditions, language, and history. World Hausa Day transcends national borders, uniting Hausa people from countries such as Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and other regions where the Hausa diaspora is present.[1] [2] [3]
The Hausa day was introduced on August 26, 2015, by a Nigerian journalist named Abdulbaki Aliyu Jari. The goal was to promote the Hausa language, help it grow, and deal with the challenges it faces as one of West Africa's major languages. On this day, people who speak Hausa come together to share Hausa proverb and correct any mistakes in how the language is used, following its spelling and grammar rules.[4]
Since then, August 26 has been dedicated as the ‘Hausa International Day’, Hausa-speaking people in Africa, Caribbean, United Kingdom, Europe, North America come together to observe it with fanfare. More people and countries have joined in the celebration, making it more popular over the years.[5]
In 2022, the Hausa community in Ghana came together to celebrate an event in Accra, the nation's capital. The theme, "Hausa, an Indispensable Tool in Ghana's Development," highlighted the significant role of the Hausa language and culture in the country's progress. The event aimed to unite Hausa youths across Ghana, encouraging them to showcase and support their talents and abilities. The event was attended by Ghanaian delegates alongside the notable linguistic personalities such John Dramani Mahama, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh (Dr) Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
A highlight of the celebration was the traditional wrestling competition, Dambe, which brought together competitors and spectators alike, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa community.[6] [7]
The gathering in Accra was a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting the Hausa language and culture, emphasizing its importance in the ongoing development of Ghana.
In 2023, the day was celebrated in Nigeria, Ghana, Turkey, Britain, United States, Germany, France, Benin Republic, Senegal, Niger Republic, Sudan, among other countries.[8] [9]
In 2024, the day was celebrated in Nigeria, Ghana, Turkey, Britain, United States, Germany, France, Benin Republic, Senegal, Niger Republic, Sudan, among other countries.[10]
The Hausa Day celebration is a cultural event in Nigeria observed primarily in the cities of Kano and Kaduna. Enthusiasts from various regions, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, gather to showcase the rich cultural values of the Hausa people.
In Kaduna, the event was organized by the Centre for the Development of Hausa Language. The aim of the occasion is to unify the Hausa community and provide a platform to reflect on their cultural, economic, social, and political progress. The celebration is marked by various activities that highlight the heritage and traditions of the Hausa people, fostering a sense of pride and solidarity among attendees.[11] [12] [13] [14]
Through such gatherings, the Hausa community seeks to strengthen their cultural identity and explore opportunities for improvement and development in various aspects of life.
In 2023, a significant event was organized by the palace of the Great Accra Hausa chief in Sabon Zango. This event was a collaborative effort involving the Center for Hausa Research and Culture and Precision Entertainment. The occasion was graced by the presence of Ghanaian presidential candidate Sam Korankye Ankrah, adding a notable political dimension to the cultural celebration.[15]