List Of Cultural Events In Kenya
Kenya has more to offer than just that. It is rich in cultural heritage and takes pride in it as a symbol of national identity. Participating in festivals is a great way to experience the Kenyan diverse cultures.Apart from the internationally recognized Maasai culture, Kenya has more than 40 other ethnic communities each with unique traditions.
In this article Keweb.co tries to answer the question by publishing the full list of Cultural Events in Kenya
Below are the full List of Cultural Events In Kenya
Lamu Cultural festival
The festival takes places 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. Main mode of transport is donkey, handcarts and dhow boats.
Maulidi Cultural Festival
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 Maulid i event, Quran verses are recited artistically, Swahili traditional music and dances performed alongside an art exhibition. On the last day of the event, crowds reciting prayers in unison make a procession to Habib Mohammed’s tomb, the founder of this unique event in Lamu.
Lamu Yoga Festival
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 in the islands of Shela and Manda in Lamu, a tropical island with almost empty beaches, fresh sea food and warm Swahili culture making it ideal for relaxation and wellness getaway.
The festival organized annually also features dhow sails, workshops, beach parties with artistic local performances among others.
Lamu Painters Festivals
The event attracts artists from around the globe majorly Europe and Africa, who showcase their skills by capturing Lamu life on canvas. Paintings of streets, markets, landscapes is done in open air and later showcased in a public exhibition. Events such as dhow races and music performances are also incorporated.
Shela Hat Contest
Since its inception in 2010, The Shela hat contest held annually in Peponi Beach, Lamu island attracts huge crowds among them participants who showcase skills in using local materials creatively to make unique hats. The creator of the most extraordinary hat wins the contest.
Lamu Food Festival.
This event is held annually giving a chance for Lamu to showcase its well preserved food culture with an aim of promoting the food industry. Women participate in a cooking competition with a renown chef acting as the judge. It also features cooking classes, food expo and street food bazaar.
Kilifi New Year Festival
Also known as Beneath the Baobabs Festival, it takes place from 30th December to 2nd January in Kilifi, Kenya’s coastal region. For lovers of contemporary African music and art, this is the perfect event to attend. The event is held on the themes of sustainability, cultural and natural diversity. It attracts lots of people who come to camp at the Takaungu Creek of the Indian ocean in a 20 acre field surrounded by old baobab trees, bamboo and wild lemon orchids. Lots of beach activities take place such as ball games, swimming, yoga, boat rides and camping among others.
Mombasa Carnival festival
Held annually in Mombasa city, this event organized by the Kenya’s Ministry of tourism celebrates Kenyan cultural diversity. It features multicultural music and dance performances with each ethnic community showcasing their amazing costumes. Held in the month of November this festival gives one a chance to experience diverse cultures, enjoy both traditional and contemporary music, a variety of Kenyan food and buy souvenirs.
Nairobi Film Festival
The Nairobi film festival seeks to popularize Kenyan productions and promote the Kenyan local film industry.. Both new and old movies on contemporary African themes are screened during this one week event bringing together both 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.
Storymoja Festival
Popularly known as East Africa’s biggest book party’, this 5 day event takes place yearly in February in Nairobi. The festival’s purpose is to promote reading and writing culture in the current age. Readers also get a chance to interact with book authors and buy books during the book exhibition. Music and other artistic performances grace the event.
Cake festival
Probably the most delicious festival in Nairobi Kenya. Held in June of every year, this one day cake baking competition attracts bakers from allover both professional and amateurs who bring their creativity into play in designing a variety of cakes with cake lovers ready to taste them.