The Lamu Cultural Festival, usually held in the last week of November. The Festival celebrates the beliefs and traditions that make Lamu what it is. Most visitors fall in love with the relaxed atmosphere and peaceful lifestyle.The purpose of this festival is to promote the Swahili heritage and preserve the local culture of the islands. Founded in 2001, it is supported by various international embassies and private sponsors. The festival is very popular and the agenda reflects the richness of Swahili culture. Readings and performances by storytellers express the old skills in Swahili poetry. On the main square, there are plenty of musical performances. All the traditional dances (ngoma) from the islands of the archipelago are put into one single venue in the streets of Lamu Town.
During the festivities, the magic of the past turns alive. Traditional displays like dhow building, henna painting, fish trap making, palm weaving and bao games are shown. The donkey races along the Lamu seafront and the dhow races are thrilling and a feast for everyone. The Donkey Race is what most people wait for in the event. Local jockeys spend the whole year honing their riding skills, just for this race. Keeping a stubborn donkey on course isn’t easy. Almost as difficult as staying on its back. To win the Lamu Donkey Race is a big deal especially for the locals.
The famous Lamu Dhow Race is very popular. Only the best dhows in town get to compete. They have to sail through a complicated series of buoys where speed, skillful tacking and slick maneuvering determine the winner. Other events include swimming and a footrace race along the waterfront, all the way to Shela Village and back. It’s fascinating to watch the various types of dhows: the bigger one Jahazi, the smaller Mashua or the fast and indeed most elegant Mozambique dhow. The dhow regattas are a big attraction and certainly the highlight of the festival.
Lamu Cultural Festival, Kenya