The Kano State Government is set to hold its maiden edition of the Arts and Culture Festival, tagged KANFEST 2025, to celebrate the rich heritage, creativity, and identity of the people.

The historic festival, being coordinated through the Culture and Tourism Board under the Office of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, is scheduled to hold between 25th and 27th October 2025.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Wednesday, KANFEST 2025 promises to be a melting pot of tradition and creativity, bringing together artists, cultural groups, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and around the world.

With the theme “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future,” the Commissioner explained that the government is committed to taking advantage of the festival to promote creative innovation and build bridges between the past and the future.

According to the release, the festival will showcase a wide range of activities, including traditional wrestling — a display of strength and valour — and majema tanning artistry, while celebrating Kano’s global reputation for leather craft.

Also lined up for display is Dukawa Leather Craftsmanship, where innovation meets tradition, reflecting the unity, diversity, and symbiotic relations in the Hausa/Fulani culture dating back centuries.

“The people of Kano are proud custodians of history, and during these three days, history will come alive in Kano. Guests will have the unique opportunity to see, taste, and feel Kano’s soil, and to experience our finest cultural traditions on one stage.

“KANFEST is a festival beyond entertainment; it is a cultural rebirth. It is about honouring our heritage and empowering the future, because culture is our identity, and it must be celebrated.

“Through this festival, we are reviving our heritage, creating opportunities for cultural industries, and attracting new investments to Kano — truly, from festival to foreign direct investment,” Waiya added.