FESTIVALS IN ZANZIBAR
Sauti Za Busara – Mid February:
The main islands of ZANZIBAR are Unguja, Pemba and Tumbatu. Stone Town, on the western shore of Unguja Island, is the Capital of this region. The city gained its name from the many large multi-story "stone" buildings that fill the old town area. These structures are actually constructed with coral and mortar, not stone. There are currently about 1700 of these buildings in the Stone Town section of Zanzibar City.
The festival takes place in Stone Town, is organized by Busara Promotions, a non-profit NGO, with the aim of encouraging audiences to celebrate cultural and religious diversity, and to promote and develop opportunities for musicians and performing artists along the Swahili coast.
Festival of the Dhow Countries – July:
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is an international film and cultural festival held in July on the islands of Zanzibar. Hosted by Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), the event showcases and promotes the myriad of film, music, dance, and other art forms from the historically trade connected “dhow countries’ of East Africa, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Arabic countries and islands of the Indian Ocean.
Activities and events include music, theatre and dance performances, workshops and exhibitions. A large music programme also runs, featuring artists from Tanzania alongside international acts. Many of these events are staged at Forodhani Gardens and are free to the public. There are also workshops and seminars for women and children, and Village Panoramas, which reach about forty villages across the Zanzibar islands of Unguja and Pemba.
Mwaka Kogwa – End July:
Mwaka Kogwa is celebrated in several villages around Zanzibar, but best observed in Makunduchi, on the southeastern coast. The colourful festival originates in Persia and celebrates the New Year according to the Shirazi calendar.
Festivities are accompanied by ancient rites and rituals, such as symbolic fires and mock fights, which are believed to ensure peace and harmony for the village in the coming year. Men taking part in the fights, defend themselves with banana stems (in place of the traditional cudgels and clubs), while women stroll through the village dressed in their best clothes, taunting the men with songs about village life and love.
The ritual is said to allow villagers to air any grievances and vent their anger, thus ensuring conflicts are not carried into the coming year. The celebration ends with feasts, singing and dancing, often carrying on late into the night.
International Triathlon & Marathon – November:
The International Triathlon and marathon is hosted in Zanzibar every November. In the past, events have proven successful in drawing competitors from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Both the Triathlon and Marathon are Olympic distances and take place in some of Zanzibar’s finest locations.
Eid el Hajj – February:
Eid el Hajj is celebrated in February and marks the end of the pilgrammage in Mecca with festivities and carnivals held over four days. Festivities can be seen at the Mnazi Moja grounds, across from the National Museum, or at the Kariakoo fairgrounds.
Eid al Fitr – End of Ramadhan:
Eid el Hajj is celebrated in February and marks the end of the pilgrammage in Mecca with festivities and carnivals held over four days. Festivities can be seen at the Mnazi Moja grounds, across from the National Museum, or at the Kariakoo fairgrounds.
Eid el Hajj is celebrated in February and marks the end of the pilgrammage in Mecca with festivities and carnivals held over four days. Festivities can be seen at the Mnazi Moja grounds, across from the National Museum, or at the Kariakoo fairgrounds.