How to Experience the Soul of Zambia Through Its Time-Honoured Festivals
Listly by Joanna James
Zambia, a country in the southern part of Africa, is a magical place and should be next on your bucket list. This land-locked country borders on Zimbabwe and has much to offer travellers in terms of safaris, wildlife, and nature in general. While Zambia's natural beauty may attract more of the first-time travellers, the country's cultural depth truly captivates those who are able to see past the superficial layers. With over 70 ethnic groups and a history that includes ancient customs, royal legacies, and spiritual practices, Zambia offers a cultural journey like no other in southern Africa. From dynamic public festivals to deeply spiritual masked dances, experiencing this living heritage is one of the most rewarding things to do in Zambia.
Zambia's Culture Unveiled
While wildlife safaris and visits to Victoria Falls dominate many itineraries, the nation's festivals offer something less expected and far more intimate. These ceremonies provide priceless insight into the values, ancestry as well as communal traditions of Zambia's people. The important thing to note is that the ceremonies performed aren't meant to be tourist attractions or entertainment in any way. They are authentic celebrations that carry a lot of meaning to the local population.
Enjoying Culture in Comfort
For those looking to experience the traditions and cultural ceremonies of Zambia, while enjoying world-class accommodation, staying in Livingstone offers the perfect location to be in proximity to them. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, located on the banks of the Zambezi River and just minutes from Victoria Falls, provides a sophisticated base for cultural and natural exploration alike.
The Spectacle of Kuomboka
Perhaps the most well-known traditional ceremony is Kuomboka, which is held each year by the Lozi people of Western Province. The ceremony's name translates to 'getting out of water,' and it commemorates the annual move of the Litunga, the Lozi king, from his palace in the Barotse floodplains to higher ground. When water levels rise during the rainy season, a grand procession sets out: the king aboard the royal barge Nalikwanda, decorated with a black-and-white elephant and paddled by oarsmen dressed in traditional scarlet and white. Thousands of spectators gather along the Zambezi River's edge to watch this journey unfold to the sound of ancient drums and royal pageantry.
Mutomboko: A Celebration of Legacy
In the north-eastern Luapula Province, the Mutomboko Festival offers quite a contrasting but equally spectacular insight into Zambia's traditional leadership and warrior history. Held in the month of July, the ceremony celebrates the historic migration and triumph of the Lunda people, which the legendary Mwata Kazembe leads. The festival is locally referred to as the 'Dance of Victory.' Visitors can expect dance performances, battle reenactments, and a rare public appearance by the current Mwata Kazembe as well.
Shimunenga and the Spirit of the South
Further south in the Namwala District, the Shimunenga Ceremony of the Ba-Ila people showcases Zambia's pastoralist roots. Taking place during the full moon in either the months of September or October, Shimunenga is steeped in ancestral respect and community solidarity. Usually beginning at dawn with traditional hymns being sung at a shrine, the ceremony is then followed by a parade of decorated cattle, symbolising wealth and social status. Participants then engage in rituals and communal activities ranging from mock lion hunts to fishing expeditions and feasting on traditional dishes.
Gule Wamkulu: Dance of the Ancestors
Among the Chewa people in the Eastern Province, the Gule Wamkulu, also known as the 'Great Dance', offers one of Zambia's most unique cultural experiences. This sacred masked performance is conducted by members of the Nyau secret society, whose dancers wear elaborate costumes representing spirits, animals, and mythical beings. Performed during funerals, initiations, and public holidays, the Gule Wamkulu blends moral storytelling with spiritual reverence. Dancers often move in trance-like states, embodying their characters as they weave between rhythm and ritual. Though traditionally restricted, some performances are now included in national cultural events, allowing outsiders to observe respectfully. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this dance is a vivid reminder of the enduring connection between Zambians and their ancestors.
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