Holidays and Festivals in Mombasa

A cultural port city, Mombasa showcases its traditions and customs to locals and newcomers alike. During specific days of the year, the city of Mombasa is filled with festivities and celebrations characterized by traditional music, dance, storytelling and sports.

The city of Mombasa is a source of deeply rooted cultures and traditions and a variety of customs practiced by the indigenous residents who comprise the Rabai, Chonyi, Digo, Ribe, Giriama, Kambé, Kauma, Duruma and Jibana (who make up the Mijikenda peoples).

Due to the long history of foreign merchants with Chinese, Persian, Portuguese, Arab, African and Indian origins occupying and even ruling Mombasa Island, most of the modern cultures practiced here have various elements of foreign socio-cultural influences. These are clearly evident when the locals celebrate their festivals.

Mombasa Street Cultural Festival

Possibly the most popular, best and most attractive festival to take place on Kenyan soil, the Mombasa Cultural Street Festival, known simply as the Mombasa Carnival, brings the best elements of the coastal city’s culture to the streets.

An event that takes place in November each year, the festival features vibrant street parades and multinational floats and is organized by the Ministry of Tourism.

• The festival features the best of traditional and contemporary artists and musicians, pageantry and colorful decoration, and most interestingly, the sounds of Taarab (popular musical genre on the coast)
• Traditional dances include belly dancing and invigorating body movements, accompanied by drinking Mnazi (a local concoction made from coconut sap) and Madafu (fresh coconut milk).
• The most notable item of clothing during the festival is the Kanga and the Kikoi, which are the traditional clothing worn by both men and women.

Kanga is a one meter long colored cotton sheet with various designs and patterns, usually tied at the waist. It is often used by women to cover their heads and shoulders, while Kikoys are a favorite with men and come in different textures and colors.

• Aside from the type of material used to make Kanga, kanga differs from kikoy in one key thing: kanga always has bold Swahili proverbs and metaphors printed on the hem. Popular proverbs include Mgagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu, nipe nikupe, mganga wangu ni Yesu, among others.
• Food is central to the festival with various delicacies like pilau, mahamri, viazi karai, biryani and charcoal grilled chicken etc. and spices like iriki, mndarasini and tangawizi being sold on the streets at affordable prices.
• The main stage of the festival features local bands and dancers with various booths offering different works of art.
• The climax of the event is the sailing regatta in the Indian Ocean

mombasa triathlon

This event takes place in September each year.

• On a two-day occasion, the Mombasa Triathlon involves a 1.5km swim in the Indian Ocean followed by a 40km bike ride ending with a 10km run through the city streets. The intense tropical climate makes the event a challenge for amateur and professional competitors alike.

Both international and local competitors participate in the event.

oktoberfest

A recent addition to the festivals taking place in Mombasa, Octoberfest/Oktoberfest is an annual three-day event that takes place in October and features popular local and international brands and a showcase of innovations.

• Additional elements of the festival include local and foreign cuisines, local and international beer brands, musicians and artists.

The festival fuses the cultures of Kenya and Germany, especially in terms of food and beer.

—