The Unmissable Zambia Festivals For Every Traveler’s Journey

By Jenna Jolie | Update on: Jan 06, 2024

In the heart of Southern Africa lies Zambia, a landlocked country that draws its name from the majestic Zambezi River. The country boasts a mosaic of cultures, with 73 ethnic groups, each contributing to the nation's rich culture. This cultural diversity is spotlighted throughout the year with various vibrant traditional festivals.

These celebrations provide an immersive experience for travelers, from which travelers will have a glimpse into the customs, rituals, and histories of Zambia's varied communities. The energetic dances of the Lozi people during the Kuomboka Festival, along with the mystical traditions of the Luvale showcased in the Makishi Dance Festival, beckon travelers to partake in the nation's cultural symphony. By engaging in these vibrant Zambian festivals, travelers will have a chance to get closer to the local people and leave unforgettable memories of their Zambian trip.

1. Kuomboka Festival: Celebrating the Lozi People's Resilience

The name Kuomboka translates to "get out of the water," and it characterizes the traditional celebration of the Lozi people in Western Zambia. The festival originates from the event of the King, who is called "Litunga," and his wife's relocation from their summer residence in Lealui to Limulunga. 

They travel in two distinct barges, and the King's barge, named 'Nalikwanda,' is the larger one. 'Nalikwanda' is adorned with a model elephant on its top and is rowed by specially selected tribe members. Along the Zambezi riverbanks, the monarch's subjects and visitors, attired in the traditional Siziba and Musinsi garments, await their leader.

The festival symbolizes the resilience of the Lozi people in the face of adversity and is marked by traditional dances, music, and colorful regalia. The vibrant atmosphere of Kuomboka attracts both locals and tourists, making it a significant cultural spectacle.

Kuomboka Festival in Zambia

2. N’cwala Ceremony: Honoring the First Fruits

N’cwala, the first fruit ceremony, is one of the most important cultural events for the Ngoni people of Eastern Zambia. This celebration marks the first harvesting season, and it involves rituals, dances, and feasts. The ceremony begins with the paramount chief Mpezeni leading a procession to the sacred fire, where traditional rites are performed to express gratitude for the first fruits of the season. 

A bull is sacrificed for offering, and then a portion of its blood is extracted and presented to the chief. Following this ritual, there is a sequence of dancing and mock combat engagements among the warriors. The N’cwala Ceremony is not only a time of thanksgiving but also an opportunity for the Ngoni people to showcase their rich cultural heritage through music, dance, and storytelling.

3. Makishi Dance Festival: Mystical Traditions of the Luvale People

The Makishi Dance Festival is a traditional event celebrated in August by the Luvale people in the Zambezi district. This festival is renowned for its mystical dances performed by masked characters known as Makishi. The Makishi dancers, adorned in elaborate costumes and masks, move rhythmically to the beat of drums, creating an otherworldly spectacle. The festival is not only a source of entertainment but also a way for the Luvale people to connect with their ancestral spirits and pass on cultural wisdom. 

Makishi Dance Festival

4. Mosi-oa-Tunya Arts Festival

The Mosi-oa-Tunya Arts Festival, held annually in August at the majestic Victoria Falls, is a celebration of creativity and artistic expression. This festival brings together artists from across Zambia and beyond, where a diverse range of art forms is showcased, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. 

Against the backdrop of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the festival provides a platform for artists to share their talents and for attendees to appreciate the beauty of artistic diversity. The Mosi-oa-Tunya Arts Festival not only promotes the arts but also fosters cultural exchange and collaboration among artists.

5. Kulamba Kubwalo: A Traditional Zambian Festival

In the Chibombo district of Central Province, the Lenje people celebrate the Kulamba traditional ceremony. This special festival takes place annually in October. The preliminary festivities last a week, showcasing traditional dances and presentations of customary cuisine. On the day of Kulamba Kubwalo, Senior Chief Mukuni Ng’ombe, is accompanied from his residence to eight distinct locations. These historic stops were made by the Lenje tribe during their migration from the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo to Zambia. The chief also pays homage to the Likonde Lya Bankanga shrine, the final resting place of the Lenje tribe's queen mother. The remainder of the ceremony involves visiting chiefs and subjects expressing gratitude to Mukuni for his leadership, accompanied by drumming, dancing, feasting, and revelry. 

Kulamba traditional ceremony

6. Umutomboko

The Umutomboko or Mutomboko ceremony commemorates the pre-colonial triumphs of the Lunda and Luba people in Luapula province. This two-day event commences with Mwata Kazembe, the Chief, visiting sacred sites within and beyond his palace. The first day concludes with the chief, adorned in white powder, receiving gifts from his subjects. On the second day, the chief engages in the 'Umutomboko,' the royal dance. He will wear a long blue, white, and red skirt known as a 'Mukonzo,' accompanied by a crown, axe, and sword in hand. His assistant, holding the Munkonzo, keeps up with him. The ceremony concludes as the chief is escorted back to the palace. The festivities continue with traditional brew and drumming. The Umotomboko festival is held annually on the last Saturday of January.

7. Chakwela Mukumbi

The Chakwela Mukumbi ceremony is held in Chongwe, a town around 25 miles from the center of Lusaka. It represents the heritage of the Soli people, the original inhabitants of Lusaka province. The name of the festival means "Pulling the Clouds," which signifies the role of Chieftainess Nkomeshya II, who prays blessings for rainfall to commence the farming season. A vital aspect of the event consists of the burning of a small area in the royal field and planting new seeds. The rest of the ceremony features diverse cultural groups within the Soli kingdom performing traditional dances. Chibwela Mushi is celebrated during the final weekend of October.

Chakwela Mukumbi ceremony

8. Ukusefya Pa Ngwena

The Bemba people of Mungwi district in Northern Province, Zambia, celebrate their traditional festival, ' Ukusefya Pa Ngwena.' This event reenacts the historical migration of the Bemba tribe from Kola (modern-day Angola) to their present village. The Chitimukulu, the chief, is ceremoniously escorted from his palace on a throne resembling a couch adorned with a paper mache crocodile at the front. 

The crocodile is a sacred animal to the Bemba tribe, with the legend that they encountered a deceased crocodile at a particular location during their migration into Zambia, interpreting it as a favorable omen and choosing to settle there. Similar to other traditional festivals, Ukusefya Pa Ngwenga incorporates dancing, drumming, singing, and the partaking of traditional food and beer. This ceremony unfolds in August.

Zambian festivals play a crucial role in preserving traditions, fostering community bonds, and promoting a sense of national identity. With the continuous development of Zambia, these traditional festivals remain a vital link to the past, allowing both locals and visitors to connect with the roots of this vibrant African nation. Through these festivals, Zambia proudly opens its arms to the world, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of its rich and diverse heritage. 

Zambia is a top-rated destination in South Africa, where travelers will enjoy unique experiences with an astonishing array of wildlife and natural attractions. Don’t forget to apply for a Zambia e-visa today and get your travel ticket to this beautiful nation!