by Noel Mwaniki.
Lamu Old
Town is a unique and rare historical living heritage
with more than 700 years of continuous settlement. Since its inscription
as a World Heritage Site in 2001, the annual Lamu Cultural Festival has been a
celebration of the unique Swahili heritage of the Lamu Archipelago.
Lamu Cultural Festival, Youtube video
Lamu
cultural festival is organized every November by the Lamu Cultural promotion
group. The three day festival showcases traditional dances, displays of
handicraft and competitions on water and land (Swahili poetry, donkey races,
dhow races, henna painting), Swahili bridal ceremony and musical performances.
Lamu Cultural Promotion Group Ad Poster
This year’s festival was a huge success. The Tourism
Minister, Najib Balala led dignitaries from the European Union, French and
Spanish embassies, the National Museums of Kenya among others. The French Government
has supported the festival since its inception and pledged continued support. The
Spanish government and the European Union also pledged support.
Domestic tourists made the largest percentage of
visitors. A low turnout by foreign tourists is attributed to the kidnaping
incidences that occurred sometimes back and led to issuance of travel advisories
to the coastal town. However, security was beefed, with security personnel
visible on every part of the Island.
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