Africa Day is a commemoration of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union as well as the diverse cultures, traditions and achievements of the continent.
Marked every year on May 25 and recognised globally, the day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable progress Africa has made while reflecting on the challenges it continues to face.
In a statement made by Google, the tech giant said Africa, a continent of vibrant colours, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a true testament to the human spirit’s resilience and creativity.
“It is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, pulsating rhythms of contemporary Afrobeats, and a trove of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered,” Google said.
Below are 13 ways to celebrate and pay tribute to the myriad of cultures, traditions and stories that make Africa unique and beautiful.
“Embrace the spirit of Africa and let it spark a newfound love and appreciation for its astounding heritage,” Google said.
Explore the collections
There are thousands of iconic museums, galleries, and cultural sites in Africa.
To celebrate Africa Day, Google added six new pocket galleries that include culture, curated by esteemed partners from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
These pocket galleries offer an immersive experience of virtual exhibitions, providing a 360-degree view of artworks and artifacts, effectively allowing people to step into the heart of Africa's cultural scene from wherever they are.
The partners include the Yemisi Shyllon Museum and Terra Kulture from Nigeria, the Mohamed Amin Foundation and National Museums of Kenya, and the University of Pretoria from South Africa.
You can virtually visit 45 cultural institutions across the continent and read more than 300 expert-curated stories on art, identity, music, fashion, food and more.
Discover the colours of Africa with Design Indaba
By celebrating the beauty of colour, learn about arts and culture through 60 artists from across the countries in Africa, curated by Design Indaba.
Last year, Google Arts and Culture commissioned a project conceived by Design Indaba called Colours of Africa.
The project features 60 individual artists from more than 50 African countries.
Colours of Africa are a singularity; a broad, living e-catalogue of talent and triumph.
For Colours of Africa, each artist involved was invited to put forward their interpretation of colour, what colour means to them, how colour is important, or representative of their country of origin.
They were challenged to capture the unique spirit of their home in a particular shade and articulate what being African means to their identity and worldview.
You can spin the kaleidoscope to explore how the artists capture the character of their home country through colour.
The sacred Osun Osogbo groves
Located in Central Nigeria, the Sacred Grove of Osun Osogbo is a forest sanctuary located along the Osun River.
This World Heritage site is home to at least forty shrines and sculptures erected in honour of Osun, the goddess of fertility, and other West African deities that are part of the Yoruba pantheon.
According to Google Arts and Culture, sacred groves are patches of forests that are culturally and religiously significant to local communities.
These sacred groves are often managed and protected by the community as abodes of deities.
Find out more about Nigeria's sacred Yoruba site, and meet the people keeping its spiritual, natural, and artistic legacy alive.
You can also pay a virtual visit to the annual Osun Osogbo Festival where the renewal of the town’s pact with the Goddess Osun is celebrated.
Meet the Maasai community of Tanzania and Kenya
Maasai people are a Nilotic ethnic group in East Africa that has a rich cultural heritage.
Through Maasai: Wisdom of a Community, you can find out more about Maasai beadwork, sustainable architecture, and traditional Adamu dance, and even learn how to speak Maa, the Maasai language.
Exploring the magic of Mali
Learn about the Malian people’s unbelievable resilience to human and environmental threats and their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage.
Delve into the rich history and heritage of Mali to learn about its manuscripts, music, monuments and modern art.
Get inspired by a legendary photographer, Mo Amin
You can discover the works of the Kenyan hero, Mo Amin and learn why he is known as the Eye of Africa.
Immerse yourself in works spanning his entire career and step behind the scenes to uncover his passion, favourite cameras, music taste and unique work ethic.
The birthplace of creativity
Take a journey back in time to discover why Africa is known as the cradle of Creativity.
This is right from the first artist’s studio to ancient rock art all the way to some of today’s best artistic voices.
Taking this journey is sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Discover Kenyan heroes
With 61 Kenyan heroes on Google Arts and Culture, discover how the men and women fought for their communities’ lands, freedom and spiritual well-being.
You can take the quiz to find out who your super alter-ego would be.
Drawing on Afrofuturism, be inspired by artists from the diaspora and Osborne Macharia to create your own Afrofuturist world.
Unleash your inner superpowers and let your imagination be your guide.
Africa’s trailblazing women inspiration
Get inspired by the voices of women of the past and the present.
Discover some of the most courageous freedom fighters, let Mama Nike ignite your creativity, learn about Mama Rachel Ruto’s initiative, learn of Queen Tiye’s remarkable story and get to celebrate strong women in football.
Exploring Lagos
Step inside Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, with Èkó for Show, and let more than 100 creatives inspire you.
Sing along to Afrobeat tunes with Teni, paint the lagoon with Victor Ehikamenor, meet the stars of Nollywood with Iké Udé and let Davido inspire your taste buds.
You can also get to experience the urban vibe with South African artists Busiswa and Muzi. Get to go on a personal city tour and learn how Durban and Jo’burg have impacted their lives.
Preserving Africa’s wonders
Climate change is impacting nature, historical sites and communities across the continent.
By joining the movement, get inspired by the people of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania, and learn how planting mangrove trees and using technology can help save historical ruins and communities.
Turn your lens on Africa
Join Africa’s photographers in capturing and sharing culture in new ways.
Be inspired by legendary photojournalist James Barnor, take a look back at 10 years of the Lagos Photo Festival and learn how to turn the street into a runway with Stephen Tayo.
Explore Black history beyond the continent
African culture has had a transformative impact on the world and keeps fuelling creativity in the diaspora.
Get to join rapper Nas in paying homage to the long tradition of Black musicians and storytellers who inspire us to this day.
You can also learn more about black history and culture in the United States, and the United Kingdom or explore 50 years of black creativity through the exhibition ‘Get Up, Stand Up Now.’