Senegal celebrated Independence from France on 4 April. Islamic festivals like Tamkharit, Eid al-Moulid (the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed), Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated in strict accordance to Islam. During the month of Ramadan, the people fast from sunrise to sunset. The Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter are also followed in Senegal.
Every year in January, the country gears up for the Paris–Dakar Rally. This 10,000 km motor race draws in fans from across the world as it ends in Dakar in the second week of January.
Senegal has a very active arts and music scene, with festivals round the year. Some of the most interesting and popular festivals include the Dak'Art Biennale, the annual Saint-Louis Jazz Festival (held in May), the Kay Fecc dance festival (June) and the carnival Ziguinchor.