Festivals In Lamu Island

Lamu County is one of Kenya’s top destinations as it prides itself on some of the richest marine ecology, terrestrial wildlife, pristine beaches, and one of the oldest cultural heritage in Kenya, dating back to the 14th century. Lamu Island is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, while the County has two National Reserves: Kiunga Marine National Reserve, and Dodori National Reserve. With its 130 km of sandy beach coastline and diverse tourist attractions, the county is a must-see for Kenyans and foreign tourists alike. Travel Tuesdays visited the oldest city in Kenya and crafted this wonderful story about our experience.

                                             A dhow during sundowner ride along Shela beach

Lamu prides itself on having a diverse social fabric consisting of numerous ethnic and indigenous groups. To celebrate this, the annual Lamu Cultural festival is held once a year and is thronged by thousands of local and international tourists who come to Lamu to see cultural activities including traditional dances and displays, observe dhow, swimming, and canoe races, and sample foods that highlight the intangible heritage of the County.

Festivals in Lamu are a very popular attraction, making Lamu, “the Island of festivals”. The festivals are celebrated with dhow and donkey races, poetry and calligraphy competitions, and music and dance from different communities on the islands. This includes:
1. Lamu Cultural Festival (Every year)
2. Maulidi Celebrations (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday according to the Lunar calendar)
3. Eid Celebrations (End of Ramadhan according to the lunar calendar)
4. Lamu Painter’s Festival (every second year in February)
5. The Shela Hat Contest (every other year in February)
6. The Lamu Yoga Festival— (Every March )

                    Mr.Kinana Munene Travel Tuesdays blogger enjoys sunset at the Floating Bar

This year Lamu Cultural festival returns after a long break due to the covid 19 pandemic and will be held from 24th-26th November, it gives one a chance to experience the traditional beliefs that are very deeply engraved with the locals and learn more about their simple and peaceful lifestyle. This year marks the 20th edition of the festival and is themed " Celebrating our Diversities." 

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