Wedding traditions of Dakar
The westernmost capital in Africa, where marriages are announced with gifts of kola and a feast of thieboudienne.
Wolof, Serer and Pulaar families keep different customs in Dakar. Marriage commonly has a religious contract made by an imam and a civil registration. Griots sing the family's genealogy and praise, and the bride is dressed in a boubou and gold.
A wedding here
The groom's family brings kola nuts and gifts to the bride's family, and the two sides share a meal. The bride is kept out of sight and is adorned with henna and beads. Thieboudienne, rice with fish and vegetables, is the festive dish.
Law and change
The Family Code allows a husband to choose monogamy or polygamy at the time of the marriage. The minimum age is 16 for women and 18 for men, with exceptions, and groups advocate raising it.
Wedding customs of Dakar
Also part of it, and being written: Griot (The family singer.), Thieboudienne (The national dish.), Wolof people (The community.), Boubou (The robe.).
A wedding trail idea for Dakar
- Sandaga Market A large market in the old city.
- Great Mosque of Dakar A major mosque.
- Goree Island An island with a historic site.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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