Lamu Cultural Festival

Every year, the Lamu Cultural Festival brings Kenyans together to celebrate the history, future, beliefs, and traditions that are at the heart and soul of this community on the beautiful and picturesque island of Lamu. Lamu is a World Heritage site and an ancient Swahili village, and the cultural festival provides a glimpse into how life was in the past in terms of architecture and lifestyle. The event is normally held in November each year. The goal of this festival is to promote Swahili history and maintain the islands' unique culture. It was founded in 2001 and is funded by a number of international embassies and private donors. The festival is well-attended, and the schedule represents Swahili culture's diversity. Storytellers' readings and performances showcase Swahili poetry's traditional skills. There are numerous musical acts on the main square. In the streets of Lamu Town, all the archipelago's traditional dances (ngoma) are gathered in one location.

During the celebrations, the past's enchantment comes to life. Dhow building, henna painting, fish trap manufacturing, palm weaving, and bao games are among the traditional exhibitions. The donkey races and dhow races along the Lamu seashore are exhilarating and a feast for all. The several varieties of dhows are intriguing to watch: the larger Jahazi, the smaller Mashua, or the quick and graceful Mozambique dhow. The dhow regattas are a significant draw and unquestionably the festival's highlight.

When: November