Although Zanzibar is recognized internationally as a land of romance, the archipelago is also a premier cultural safari destination in East Africa. Cultural safaris to Zanzibar cover important areas around this island including the streets of the old stone town, the house of wonders, peoples palace, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab fort among others.
The archipelago and its people have their own unique history and culture, influenced by the traders and invaders over the centuries; from the Portuguese, Omani Arabs to English. The result of this fusion of different ethnic groups has resulted in interesting cultural events such as Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar International Film Festival and Mwaka Kogwa " the celebration of the Persian New Year.
Sauti za busara festivals, literally meaning sounds of wisdom, are held every February in Zanzibar stone town's old fort. The event is arguably the best music event in Swahili speaking East Africa. During the festivals, Stone Town's old fort comes very much alive. Performers at the event include taarab artists, bongo flava (a very popular East African music genre)stars, drumming troupes, and ngoma dancers.
The festival is very popular with the local population and is one of the annual highlights in Zanzibar's new approach to market itself as a leading global cultural tourism destination. As well as bringing international visitors to the islands, the event provides artists from the Swahili-speaking world with a rare opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, learn from each other and create. The sixth edition of Sauti za Busara was held on 12-17 February 2009 and the event drew artists from many parts of the world including West Africa, Europe and Australia.
Every July, Zanzibar hosts one of East Africa's largest cultural events going by the name Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). ZIFF presents an exciting and varied program of international film and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions. In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Every year, the crowd that attends ZIFF gets bigger and bigger as its international reputation grows. The festival presents a unique chance to promote cultural understanding of Indian ocean dhow countries of Tanzania, Oman and India.
The last week of July sees the village of Makunduchi celebrate Mwaka Kogwa, the Persian New Year. The festival is a riot of colour, filled with rituals and fun. During this festival, men are given the chance to mock fight each other with banana stems to clear any past dispute for the new year. Women on the other hand dress in their best clothes and sing songs about family, love and life.
The traditional burning of a hut is the most symbolic event and the highlight of Mwaka Kogwa. It marks the end of one year, and the start of a new one. It is also believed to purge evil from the land and protect the village from fire throughout the year. After that, the villagers party, sing, dance to African drums and other music instruments till dawn. They also extend hospitality to all people in the knowledge that any local who does not entertain a guest will receive bad luck.
The above cultural festivities have earned Zanzibar an international reputation as a center for African cultural heritage. Getting to Zanzibar can be by sea or by air. Several international airlines operate flights to Zanzibar, including Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, and KLM (with Kenya Airways). Visitors can get scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam, as well speed boats for a sea trip to Zanzibar. - 15437
The archipelago and its people have their own unique history and culture, influenced by the traders and invaders over the centuries; from the Portuguese, Omani Arabs to English. The result of this fusion of different ethnic groups has resulted in interesting cultural events such as Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar International Film Festival and Mwaka Kogwa " the celebration of the Persian New Year.
Sauti za busara festivals, literally meaning sounds of wisdom, are held every February in Zanzibar stone town's old fort. The event is arguably the best music event in Swahili speaking East Africa. During the festivals, Stone Town's old fort comes very much alive. Performers at the event include taarab artists, bongo flava (a very popular East African music genre)stars, drumming troupes, and ngoma dancers.
The festival is very popular with the local population and is one of the annual highlights in Zanzibar's new approach to market itself as a leading global cultural tourism destination. As well as bringing international visitors to the islands, the event provides artists from the Swahili-speaking world with a rare opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, learn from each other and create. The sixth edition of Sauti za Busara was held on 12-17 February 2009 and the event drew artists from many parts of the world including West Africa, Europe and Australia.
Every July, Zanzibar hosts one of East Africa's largest cultural events going by the name Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). ZIFF presents an exciting and varied program of international film and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions. In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Every year, the crowd that attends ZIFF gets bigger and bigger as its international reputation grows. The festival presents a unique chance to promote cultural understanding of Indian ocean dhow countries of Tanzania, Oman and India.
The last week of July sees the village of Makunduchi celebrate Mwaka Kogwa, the Persian New Year. The festival is a riot of colour, filled with rituals and fun. During this festival, men are given the chance to mock fight each other with banana stems to clear any past dispute for the new year. Women on the other hand dress in their best clothes and sing songs about family, love and life.
The traditional burning of a hut is the most symbolic event and the highlight of Mwaka Kogwa. It marks the end of one year, and the start of a new one. It is also believed to purge evil from the land and protect the village from fire throughout the year. After that, the villagers party, sing, dance to African drums and other music instruments till dawn. They also extend hospitality to all people in the knowledge that any local who does not entertain a guest will receive bad luck.
The above cultural festivities have earned Zanzibar an international reputation as a center for African cultural heritage. Getting to Zanzibar can be by sea or by air. Several international airlines operate flights to Zanzibar, including Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, and KLM (with Kenya Airways). Visitors can get scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam, as well speed boats for a sea trip to Zanzibar. - 15437
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