LAMU CULTURAL FESTIVAL (30th Oct – 2nd, 2023)
Held in the last week of November. This now popular 3-day event is meant to showcase and preserve the rich swahili culture and heritage whilst giving visitors a taste of the same. The event is often marked with activities like; music performances, donkey and dhow races, henna paintings, poetry readings, and competitive Bao games among others.
LAMU YOGA FESTIVAL (21st – 25th October 2023)
Since the successful yoga festival of 2014, yoga enthusiasts from all over the world have been gathering in Lamu in the month of March for the annual Lamu yoga festival. The four-day event combines a variety of yoga classes and meditations held in and around the picturesque beaches of Lamu, Manda, and Shela. The highlight of the festival includes refreshing and relaxing dhow sails, fun competitions, and a grand finale beach party.
LAMU FOOD FESTIVAL (April 23, 2023)
This festival is a combination of both culinary and cultural experiences. Lamu natives take part in this festival by competing to produce their best and most unique culinary creations. A renowned chef is usually in attendance to judge the competitors with visitors, tourists and dignitaries welcome to sample the foods while being entertained by local artists.
DHOW RACE (19th August 2023)
Dhow races are probably one of the most popular activities that Lamu is known for. The races attract fierce competitors drawn from the entire Lamu archipelago and usually take place on various dates throughout the year mostly as a culminating activity to other annual Lamu festivals. Should you find yourself on the island during one of these, do make a point to go witness the spectacular show.
MAULIDI ISLAMIC FESTIVAL (Oct 26th -28th, 2023)
This festival is held to celebrate the birth of the prophet Mohammed. The four-day festival is marked by religious recitals, colourful dance, and music performances all culminating in a procession to the tomb of Habib Swaleh, a most revered and highly respected Islamic scholar.
LAMU ART FESTIVAL (Dates to be announced)
This event brings together local and international artists, musicians, and craftsmen drawn from Africa and Europe for 3 weeks of creative inspiration, learning, and enjoyment.
Inspired by the natural beauty and harmony of Lamu’s stunning scenery, the artists disperse throughout Lamu Island for a period of three weeks, diligently working on their upcoming pieces in preparation for the festival’s final weekend. The Lamu Fort is the designated venue where their artistic creations, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and installations, are put on display to showcase the diverse perspectives of African and European participants.
THE SHELA HAT CONTEST (February 18th 2023)
Since its commencement in 2010, this biannual hat design contest has been held on the beach in front of the Peponi Hotel. The challenge involves creating hats from locally sourced, recycled materials, and only locals are allowed to participate. The contest showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the people of Lamu, with participants using materials such as pipes, shells, and fabric to make their hats. The results range from beautiful to bizarre, but all demonstrate the talent and good humor of the locals.
LITTLEGIG LAMU (September 20th – 22nd, 2023)
This is a three-day micro-festival that brings together creatives from different fields and a small audience curious to experience artistry within an eccentric setting like Lamu.
The mission of this festival is to amplify the global influence of Africa’s creative economy.
Tickets to this year’s event are available here: https://littlegig.co.za/event/littlegig-lamu-2023/
With this long list of events taking place every year, there’s no doubt why the phrase “Lamu Tamu” (Lamu is sweet), even exists (It’s like they are always looking for reasons to make merry 😊).
Whatever your interests in Lamu, we have you covered with a choice of 2 luxury accommodations that guarantee a worthwhile experience in Lamu.
