THE ZANZIBAR REGGAE FESTIVAL
The Rasta reggae phenomenon is on the rise in Zanzibar, with an annual ...Read more
MWAKA KOGWA
Read moreIn Makunduchi in the south of the island, this ceremony celebrates the Persian New Year. It comes from the Zoroastrian religion inherited from the Shirazians who arrived on the island in the 10th century. Here it is a syncretism with the beliefs in good and bad spirits and ancestors of the Bantu. The men sing warrior hymns and fight armed... with a banana tree stem! An incantation of wishes that must be "cleaned" for the new year. Tourists take part in the celebration, and it is said that a good Mwaka Kogwa is not done without a guest.
ZIFF FESTIVAL OF DHOW COUNTRIES
For 10 days, Zanzibar celebrates the cinema, arts and cultures of the ...Read more
SAUTI ZA BUSARA
This festival of music, dance and theatre lasts 4 days: about 400 artists ...Read more
ZANZIBAR CULTURAL DAY
This Swahili cultural day features traditional dances, shows, performances, ...Read more
BULL FIGHTING
The island of Pemba celebrates an unexpected festival in January: the ...Read more
AÏD AL-ADHA - AÏD EL-KEBIR
Read moreThe two main Muslim holidays are Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (annual pilgrimage to Mecca). Eid al-Adha is the festival of the sacrifice of the sheep. During the four days of the festival, the people of Zanzibar go to Stone Town in the evening dressed in their best festive clothes. The women and even the little girls have their eyes made up with kohl, all wear sumptuous dresses and scarves. Eid is the occasion to celebrate an "Eid Mubarak" to everyone and to gather on the beach and at the market of Forodani.