Welcoming the Shirazi New Year in Zanzibar

Every July, the village of Makunduchi, located in the southern region of Zanzibar, comes alive with the Mwaka Kogwa Festival — a vibrant, deeply rooted celebration of the Shirazi New Year. Steeped in centuries of African and Persian cultural heritage, Mwaka Kogwa is more than just a festivity; it's a spiritual and communal cleansing, a time to renew bonds, let go of the past, and welcome the year ahead with hope, joy, and reconciliation.

A Festival Rich in Tradition and Symbolism

Mwaka Kogwa is best experienced in Makunduchi, where the traditions are preserved in their most authentic form. Over four days of celebration, visitors and locals alike are immersed in a colorful tapestry of African folk rituals, dancing, drumming, singing, and feasting. Women don their most elegant kitenge and kanga garments, singing songs about love, family, and prosperity, while the men engage in one of the festival’s most unique and symbolic traditions.

The Banana Stick Fight – A Ritual of Release and Reconciliation

At the heart of Mwaka Kogwa is a staged combat between village men, where they playfully hit each other with banana sticks. This tradition stems from historic battles where real weapons were once used, and it now symbolizes the releasing of past conflicts and grievances. It’s a symbolic cleansing — a dramatic way to ensure that tensions from the previous year don’t carry over into the new one.

This ritual fight isn’t about violence, but rather a communal understanding that all disagreements are to be aired and resolved. It’s watched with laughter, cheers, and songs, especially from women who line the area with songs and dances that reflect themes of life and fortune.

The Burning of the Ritual Hut – A Sacred Ceremony

One of the most spiritually significant parts of the Mwaka Kogwa Festival is the burning of the ritual hut, a sacred event conducted by a respected village healer known as the "Mganga." The hut, constructed specifically for the festival, is set ablaze as the Mganga recites blessings and spells aimed at invoking good fortune, health, and peace for the community.

As the flames rise, villagers observe the smoke patterns, which are believed to predict the fortunes of the year ahead. This moment is both solemn and hopeful, as people look to the sky for signs of what's to come. Once the ritual is complete, the atmosphere shifts back to celebration, with traditional Taarab music, Swahili dishes, dancing, and drumming continuing well into the night.

When and How to Join the Celebration

The Mwaka Kogwa Festival is held every July and spans four unforgettable days. It is a free public event, welcoming both locals and international visitors to join in this remarkable celebration of culture, renewal, and unity.

Whether you come to witness the banana stick battles, experience the rich musical heritage, or simply to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Zanzibari people, Mwaka Kogwa offers a truly unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Duration & Entry:

• ● The Mwaka Kogwa Festival lasts for four days and is held annually in July.
• ● No entrance fee is required for participation.

Join us at Mwaka Kogwa Festival for an unforgettable experience in Zanzibar!

• +255 777 32 47 75
• alan.kafwenzema@gmail.com