SAUTI ZA BUSARA
ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
MWAKA KOGWA
Zanzibar Festivals
Biggest festivals in Zanzibar are held in Stone Town. Zanzibar International Film Festivals, Jahazi Literary and jazz festivals, Sauti za Busara.
Important Details
Start
During 11th – 13th February 2022
Meeting point
Festival centred in Stone Town
Advance Tickets
Are available online until 31st January, with Early Bird discounts for all purchases before 31st October.
Duration
3 days
Group size
At this moment in time, we offer private Tanzania safari, Zanzibar tours and there are no restrictions on group sizes
Not included
- Extra excursions/services available at safari lodges
Note
- Tourist may book this tour along with either dolphin tour
Highlights
SAUTI ZA BUSARA – February
ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – June/July
MWAKA KOGWA –July
Itinerary
SAUTI ZA BUSARA – February : ‘Sauti za Busara’ meaning ‘sounds of wisdom’ is East Africa’s premier music festival, showcasing the best the Swahili music world has to offer. Every February, Stone Town’s Old Fort becomes a hive of activity, hosting bongo flava stars, ngoma dancers, drummers, taarab and hip hop at the friendliest music festival on the planet.
ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – June/July : The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is one of East Africa’s largest cultural events and usually takes place each year in July. ZIFF presents an exciting and varied programme of international films and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions.In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary with the festival attracting larger and larger crowds each year and gaining international prominence, giving a platform for artwork from across the Dhow Countries of Tanzania, India and Oman. This gives a unique opportunity to preserve and promote the understanding of culture from across the Dhow Countries.
MWAKA KOGWA –July : 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. Men are given the chance to mock fight each other with banana stems to clear any past disputes for the new year, women dress in their best clothes and sing songs about family, love and life.The highlight of the festival is the traditional burning of a hut, which is said to signify the passing of the old year and welcoming the new one. This ritual is believed to ensure the safety of the village in case of fire during the year and to purge evil from the people and the land. After the fire and fighting, there is song, dance, drumming and feasting where hospitality is extended to everyone as the locals believe that any villager without a guest will be the recipient of bad luck and the party goes on till dawn.
