Cultural events in Kenya today

Cultural events in Kenya today are a testament to the country’s rich diversity. While the Maasai culture is the most internationally recognized, Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic groups, each with its unique cultural practices. This diversity is celebrated through various festivals and events, both traditional and modern, bringing people together and appreciating the richness of Kenya’s heritage.

Cultural Events and festivals in Lamu, Kenya.

1.Lamu cultural festival

Lamu cultural festival is an annual event that takes place in Lamu Island, on every last week of November.  Lamu is among the Kenya’s oldest towns and is a world heritage site. The cultural festivals highlight how life was in ancient times as far as lifestyle and architecture are concerned. This festival involves donkey races, dhow races, enjoying a variety of Swahili dishes, Swahili weddings, bao games, swimming competitions, henna painting, buying Swahili clothes, and enjoying Swahili street foods like bhajia and mahamri, amongst others. This celebration offers a comprehensive experience of Swahili culture..

2. Maulidi cultural festival

This festival celebrates the birth of Prophet Mohammed and takes place in Lamu during the third month of the Muslim calendar. Activities include tug of war, Swahili music, artistic Quran recitations, henna competitions, and various community-building competitions. The event concludes with a unified prayer procession to the prophet’s tomb.

3. Lamu yoga festival

Annually held in Lamu, this festival includes beach parties, dhow sails, and workshops aimed at spreading yoga knowledge. It takes place in Manda and Shela Island.

4. Lamu painter’s festivals

This international event attracts artists worldwide to showcase their talents and skills. Major participants are from Europe and Africa.

5. Shela hat contest and Lamu food festival

Held annually at Peponi Beach, the Shela Hat Contest showcases local hat-making skills, while the Lamu Food Festival celebrates Swahili cuisine.

 

Mombasa cultural festival

1.Mombasa carnival festival

Held in November, this event celebrates Kenya’s cultural diversity with music, performances, arts, crafts, and foods from different cultures. Each culture showcases its dances and traditional costumes.

2. Mombasa Triathlon

Taking place in September, the triathlon involves 40km of cycling, running through Mombasa streets, and 1.5km of swimming in the Indian Ocean. It attracts both locals and foreigners.

Nairobi cultural events

1.Nairobi film festival

A one-week event promoting the Kenyan film industry, the Nairobi Film Festival features screenings of African-themed films and brings together local and international cinema producers.

2. Story Moja festival

Held annually in September, this festival celebrates art and music, inviting musicians and writers from around the world. It’s a platform for participants to meet their favorite authors and musicians.

3.The Safaricom jazz festival

It’s one of the biggest and most famous jazz events that is a must-attend for music lovers. It’s a one-week event that is held annually to celebrate music, especially Jazz music. The world’s most known actors in jazz are the most invited to perform during this festival.

4.Cake festival.

This annual festival is held in June, where a baking competition catches the attention of bakers from all over the world. They bring their baking skills to bake cakes and are tasted by cake lovers. The event is usually held at Uhuru gardens in Nairobi.

5. Nairobi restaurant week.

This is an annual event where its main focus is culinary. It involves dining at Nairobi’s restaurants with special menus with various courses at a discounted price. It takes place for ten days, either in January or February. During this festival, complimentary cocktails and drinks are offered. During this festival, there is a chance to taste different cuisines.

Festivals in Northern Kenya.

1.Lake Turkana cultural festival.

Also known as the Tobong’u Lore, this annual festival is a celebration of indigenous culture held every spring in Turkana, located in the Northern part of Kenya. Hosted by several indigenous communities adjacent to the lake, the event is meant to promote peace, cultural exchange, and tourism. The El Molo people hold the event every June in Loiyangalani, while the Turkana people host the event in April, in Lodwar.

2.International Carmel derby festival.

This is an annual festival that happens in Maralal in Samburu. The festival event now attracts visitors from all over the world with activities like camel riding, races, and cycling. Other than the competitions, people also come to experience the preserved culture of people in the northern part of Kenya.

The safari rally event

This is a sporting event that started years back. It’s a popular event in Kenya that involves both local and foreign audiences where the drivers are required to go through a challenging wilderness using the shortest time possible.