The 18th Lamu Cultural Festival opened in Lamu Island on Wednesday, with organisers saying the event will run through Sunday and draw an estimated 50,000 local and international visitors.
The festival was presented as a larger edition this year after receiving what organisers described as a major financial boost from the County Government.
Lamu Cultural Promotional Group chairman Gharib Alwy said the support from the county and other partners had strengthened preparations for the annual cultural showcase. He said: “We thank the County Government and other stakeholders both Local and International for their tremendous support and we are assuring our visitors that the festival is on, will be bigger and that the County was safe,” Said Bush.
The programme includes Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races, henna painting, Bao games, swimming, Casa races, deep sea fishing, Swahili bridal events and a soccer tournament. Organisers also listed traditional performances such as Uta, Kirumbizi and Shabuani.
Communities including the Kikuyu, Giriama, Kamba and Luo were expected to present their dances as part of the festival’s celebration of Lamu’s diversity.
Lamu County Governor Fahim Twaha said the county was proud to support the history and culture of the 10th century Swahili town, which has kept much of its original architecture, religion and traditions. He said: “We are glad to host these festivals in a bigger way this time where hundreds of local, international tourists and cultural enthusiasts will be witnessing the unique cultural extravaganza, “Said Twaha.
County Tourism Executive Member Dismas Mwasambu said the festival and related events were meant to attract tourists to the Lamu archipelago, create jobs and encourage repeat visits that would benefit the local economy.
Lamu Old Town, which has more than 700 years of continuous settlement, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
Hotels and transport operators were already reporting strong demand. Romantic Hotels manager Kezia Mumbi said on Wednesday that bookings were heavy and business was expected to improve during the festival period. Transport providers, including buses, shuttles and airlines such as Skyward and Silverstone, also reported heavy bookings into the following week.
