Hospitality and culture of the Beautiful Island of Zanzibar

Zanzibar cultures became more diverse in its range, more unique in its expression. Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan’s empire prospered. It is here that the Africa Culture blended with other cultures mainly Persian, Arabic and Indian to forms Swahili Culture.

Today the romance, the splendor and legends of the past are still vibrantly alive, traditional sailing dhows, carved wooden and doors, chests, the scent of the clove and the smile of the hospitable people welcomes you to Zanzibar. Zanzibar`s rituals find their expression through the festivals and arts that color the island throughout the year. Among the most popular festivals are:

EID EL-FITR

Eid-el-Fitr is the festival at the end of Ramadhan, the month of fasting and it is the biggest the most respected of all festivals in Zanzibar. Also known as Iddi or Sikukuu (days of celebration, festival or holiday), this festival is a time of gift giving and of giving alms. The fasting of Ramadhan is meant to remind people what life is like for their less fortunate brethren and the alms giving at Eid (known as Zakat-el-Fitr) is a continuation along the same idea. Both fasting and the giving of alms are two of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. 

MWAKA KOGWA

A four-day-long celebration, Mwaka Kogwa is best observed at Makunduchi, a village in the southern part of Zanzibar. The origins of this holiday are Zoroastrian (a Persian religion older than Islam). It is a celebration of the New Year and some of the events include huge bonfires and mock fights. These fights are between men who defend themselves with banana stems (in place of the sticks that were formerly used), and this fighting, in which everyone gets a chance, is said to let everyone air their grievances.

SAUTI ZA BUSARA FESTIVAL

"Sounds of Wisdom" Swahili Music & Cultural Festival……. A 3-day weekend cultural extravaganza of music, theatre and dance. The theme of this new, dynamic festival on the African cultural calendar is Swahili Encounters, focusing on showcasing a diversity of performing arts which are all rooted in Swahili language and traditions. Modern and traditional styles, both religious and secular will be represented, alongside exciting new fusions.

BULLFIGHTING 

There is no specific dates when the bullfightings are organized but the hottest time of the year. This between August and February. But some times it is done after clove harvesting or during the state ceremony such as Revolutionary Day of Zanzibar.