Famous Cultural Festivals of Kenya

If you have a desire to experience aboriginal tribal culture, Kenya is the destination for you. This popular East African country is home to 70 different tribes and each one has its own unique culture. As Kenyans love to celebrate and enjoy life, many festivals are celebrated throughout the year in Kenya. For your next trip to Kenya, here is a list of cultural events and festivals you should not skip.

Lamu Cultural Festival

Kenya’s most popular event, Lamu Cultural Festival is a celebration of both the past and the present beliefs and practices of the Lamu Community. An ancient Swahili township, Lamu is a popular world heritage site, known for its tradition and culture. The annual cultural festival in November every year offers visitors an insight into the popular beliefs and practices of the Lamu people. The festival includes numerous activities such as Swahili poetry, henna painting, donkey races, and dhow sailing.

Marsabit Lake Turkana Festival

A fusion of 14 different communities, Marsabit Lake Turkana festival is a popular cultural event in Kenya. Usually held in the month of May, the festival aims at overcoming stereotypes and helps create a mutual understanding for the peaceful coexistence of different communities and tribes. At the festival, guests can enjoy numerous folk performances and traditional dances.

The Mombasa Carnival

The Mombasa carnival is supposed to be Kenya’s biggest and most engaging festival. This popular event is held in Mombasa, a major cultural hub in East Africa and showcases the rich culture and heritage of the country. Held annually in the month of November, the festival features multicultural floats, folk music, and dance performances along with colourful parades by the tribal communities.

Maulidi Festival

Another popular cultural festival in Lamu is the Maulidi Festival. Celebrated on every 3^rd month of the Muslim calendar, the festival marks the birth of Prophet Mohammad and brings together thousands of Muslims from different parts of the world including East Africa and Middle East. Each year the festival features numerous activities and events including swimming, donkey and dhow races, henna competitions and the famous tug of war game.

Maralal Camel Derby

Held every year in Samburu, the camel derby is gradually becoming a popular festival drawing visitors from all across the world. If facts are to be believed, this is Kenya’s best known and the most prestigious camel race festivals. Each year the festival begins at the centre of the town and brightens the streets of Maralal with camels and activities. A cycling race is also held concurrently with the derby with mountain bikes racing over the city’s hilly terrains.