Historic Lamu Island bursts into life for three-day cultural fiesta

Lamu Locals entertain guests with their traditional songs and dances along the Island’s Sea front in Lamu County during the 20th Annual Lamu Cultural festivals on Friday,25 th, November,2022 afternoon.[FILE,Standard].

All roads lead to Lamu Island for the annual cultural festival, which kicks off tomorrow and runs until Saturday, November 22.

The three-day extravaganza celebrating Swahili culture, traditions, and heritage has attracted thousands of local and international tourists to the Lamu archipelago.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said the events, organised by the county and community groups, aim to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Lamu people.

He added that the festival would also signal that the county is safe and ready to welcome tourists and investors after years of terror-related insecurity.

“We support and celebrate the history and culture of this unique 10th-century Swahili town, which has retained much of its original architecture, religion, and traditions,” he said.

The festival features Swahili poetry, donkey races, jahazi races, henna paintings, Bao games, swimming galas, casa races, deep-sea fishing competitions, and Swahili bridal displays. Other activities include triathlons, grease pole contests, soccer tournaments, local dances, songs, drums, and Swahili poetry.

The multicultural event also covers traditional performances such as Uta, Kirumbizi, and Shabuani. Other communities, including Kikuyu, Giriama, Kamba, and Luo, will showcase their dances, celebrating Lamu’s cultural diversity.

Governor Timamy noted that high-powered delegations, including other governors and senior government and international officials, are expected.

“This festival is a testament to the diversity and resilience of our community. We will showcase our traditions, music and art and forge a lasting memory. I wish you all a wonderful time and a memorable stay on our beautiful island,” he said.

Lamu County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Culture, Trade, and Investment, Aisha Abdalla Miraj, said preparations were complete.

She noted that most hotels are fully booked and that transporters—including boat operators, airlines, and road services, expect booming business.

Miraj added that the island, declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site in 2001, is a rare historical living heritage with over 700 years of continuous settlement.

“Tourists will also visit nearby islands, the historic ruins of Takwa, boat and dhow building in Matondoni, and the islands of Kiwayu and Pate,” she said.

Senior elder and businessman Hassan Albeit said the festival’s main aim is to promote and preserve Lamu’s unique Swahili heritage.

Keziah Mumbi, manager of Lamu Palace and Petleys Inn, said they are receiving positive bookings from locals, parastatal officers, and international visitors.

“We are fully booked and may need to transfer guests to Shela or the mainland at Mokowe, Hindi, or Mpeketoni,” she said.

Transporters, including buses, shuttles, and airlines, have reported heavy bookings and plan additional services.

During festivals, the prices of commodities and accommodation usually rise, giving local residents an opportunity to profit from the influx of visitors.

The upgraded 80-kilometre Garsen–Mokowe road from Malindi and the resumption of low-cost flights to Manda Airport are also boosting arrivals.

The journey by road from Mombasa to Mokowe takes about five hours, followed by a half-hour boat ride to Lamu Island. Air travellers from Nairobi, Mombasa, or Malindi can land at Manda Airstrip and take a 10-minute boat ride to the island.