Taking part in different cultural festivals will not only give you a chance to understand the cultural histories of communities in Kenya but you will also appreciate diversity and foster peace and cohesion while supporting these communities.
Lamu Cultural Festivals
Popularly known as the Island of Cultural Festivals, Lamu is home to more than five annual cultural festivals that celebrate its unique traditions.
The festival takes place annually mostly on the last week of November in Lamu island, one of Kenya’s oldest historical towns listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town, rich in history and culture features narrow streets and stone buildings with a mix of Arabic, Swahili, Indian, and European architectural designs. The main modes of transport are donkeys, handcarts, and dhow boats.
The main event is the donkey race competitions whereby donkey racers show their skill and talent in steering donkeys which makes the sport fun to watch. Other sports include dhow races, swimming competitions and bao games, which have archaeological evidence of existing in East Africa for thousands of years.
Experience the Kirumbizi traditional dance where participants showcase their skills using traditional clubs. One can also learn Swahili henna painting, shop for clothes, artefacts, and jewellery and get to sample the coastal street foods such as Mahamri, Bhajia, and Kaimati among others usually prepared using, coconut milk, flour and different spices.
Maulidi Cultural Festivals
This event held annually in the third month of the Islamic calendar between February and April draws scholars and Islamic believers from all over to the coastal town of Lamu who come to celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed. During the Maulidi event, Quran verses are recited artistically, and Swahili traditional music and dances are performed alongside an art exhibition. On the event’s last day, crowds reciting prayers in unison make a procession to Habib Mohammed’s tomb, the founder of this unique event in Lamu
Lamu Yoga Cultural Festivals
Attracting Yoga lovers from around the world, this five-day event started in 2014 with the main objective of spreading Yoga knowledge in East Africa. It takes place on the islands of Shela and Manda in Lamu, a tropical island with almost empty beaches, fresh seafood and warm Swahili culture making it ideal for relaxation and a wellness getaway.
Lamu Food Festival
This event is held annually giving a chance for Lamu to showcase its well-preserved food culture to promote the food industry. Women participate in a cooking competition with a renowned chef acting as the judge. It also features cooking classes, a food expo and a street food bazaar.
Nairobi Film Festival
The Nairobi Film Festival seeks to popularize Kenyan productions and promote the Kenyan local film industry. New and old movies on contemporary African themes are screened during this one-week event, bringing together local and foreign film producers and audiences of cinema enthusiasts.
Pawa Festival
A one-day event usually held in December before Christmas to promote urban art and culture, brings together players in the creative industry. The whole of Nairobi City’s Koinange Street turns into a beautiful gallery during this event, with lots of live performances, food to eat and pieces of art to buy.
Lake Turkana Cultural Festivals
This famous festival is held annually in Loiyangalani town located on the southeastern coast of Lake Turkana in Marsabit County. The 3-day event meant to promote peace and cohesion brings together 14 ethnic communities living in the Lake Turkana region. The event is held to celebrate the rich culture of the Turkana, Samburu, Borana, Watta, Rendile, Gabbra, Dasannach and the nearly extinct El Molo community. This is a chance to experience the rarely explored Nothern region of Kenya.
Maralal International Camel Derby
This is a 3-day annual festival that takes place in Maralal Town, Samburu in the Nothern region of Kenya drawing visitors from all over the world who come to take part in the competitions and experience the unspoilt culture of the nomadic desert communities. It is one of the most popular events in Kenya.
These cultural festivals feature camel racing as the main event whereby both amateurs and professional camel racers show their ability to control the camels to the finish line. Other sporting activities include donkey and bicycle races among others. The event is also graced by colourful and delightful Samburu cultural performances that altogether bring the desert town into vibrancy.
Rusinga Island Cultural Festivals
This two-day event takes place annually just before Christmas among the Abasuba community located in the eastern part of Lake Victoria in the Western region of Kenya. Suba is one of the indigenous Kenyan languages on the verge of extinction listed by UNESCO. Attending this cultural event will give you a chance to experience the Suba people’s traditional music, art, sports, food and literature.
Dancers dressed in traditional attire move their bodies to the tunes of music accompanied by drum beatings. This event is tailored under a different theme for each year. It gives the community a chance to showcase their art, fashion, pottery and carving skills. Sporting activities organized during the event include boat racing, fishing, tug of war and a friendly wrestling match which is majorly done for bragging rights or attracting suitors. Fishing is the primary means of livelihood for the community. Kuon Anang’a (ugali ) served with fish (Nile perch or Tilapia) is the main delicacy served during the event.
Maragoli Cultural Festivals
This is a popular event in western Kenya held annually on the 26th of December in Mbale town, Vihiga county. It showcases the cultural traditions of not only the Maragoli sub-community but the whole Luhya ethnic group. It is organized by the Vihiga Cultural Society and attracts masses within and outside of the region.
Bullfighting Sports event.
Popular cultural sport practised by the Idakho and Isukha sub-communities of the larger Luhya community in Kakamega, western Kenya. The bulls that engage in a spirited fight that lasts 5 to 30 minutes are adequately fed and prepared for the occasion. The owner of the winning bull receives a cash price after the match after which local brew is served as part of the celebrations. Other places to visit in the area include Kakamega Forest Reserve and Ilesi Crying Stone.
The Rhino Charge
This is an annual fundraising event organized by Rhino Ark to raise funds for its conservational projects one being the popular Aberdare Fence project. It features spectacular off-road motorsport competitions whereby participants race through rough wild terrains under 10 hours limit.
The Safari Rally
Started in 1953 in honour of Queen Elizabeth, this sporting event has become so popular in Kenya and a major part of Kenya’s culture and history. It draws an audience both locally and internationally. Drivers are required to navigate the difficult wilderness terrain in the shortest time possible.
The Lewa Safari Marathon
This is one of the most highly anticipated annual athletics and conservancy events where participants race in the scenic outdoors to protect Kenyan wildlife from extinction.
