| 21 August 2015
Swaziland’s Reed Dance – The most anticipated cultural event
Swaziland’s biggest and most anticipated cultural event, the ‘Umhlanga’ will be taking place from 25th – 31st August this year. The Reed Dance, as it is more commonly known, is Swaziland’s best known annual cultural event and lasts eight days with the last day being on the 31st August. It will be on this day when the main dancing ceremony occurs that the King will attend signaling a public holiday in Swaziland.
Up to 40,000 girls will take part in the dance, dressed in brightly coloured attire, making it one of the biggest and most spectacular cultural events in Africa. During this week, the young girls will journey from all corners of the Kingdom to cut reeds and present them to the Queen Mother or Indlovukazi, as a windbreak around her royal residence, on the final day.
The highlight of the event is thus the reed-giving ceremony. The maidens gather at Ludzidzini dressed in their traditional attire of brightly beaded short skirts with colourful sashes to dance and sing and celebrate the unification of the Kingdom’s women. His Majesty King Mswati lll will join the celebrations to pay tribute to the maidens.
The Swazi people are deeply proud of this tradition and taking part in the festival is a proud and privileged moment for the whole family.
Spectators are welcome to view this event but there is little which can prepare you for the sheer scale of the pageantry, with column upon column of girls advancing together. This year, a food court as well as a coffee lounge will be available to the spectators which will be suitable for the whole family, from 29th – 31st August.
The Reed Dance offers the visitor a unique experience. There are no special visitor arrangements – except for a special grandstand to accommodate visiting dignitaries – but simply turn up at Ludzidizini and follow the crowds. Police will direct you where to go, and where to park. Officially, permits are required for photography. There will also be tour guides who will be strategically stationed to help tourists with all the information they will need for a pleasant experience at the Reed Dance.
The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) will also set up a typical Swazi homestead to give visitors an inside view of traditional Swazi lifestyle. The homestead will also be host to the STA, along with Swaziland National Trust Commission, Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture and other tourism stakeholders, to give out information on Swaziland Tourism.
Swaziland is rich in culture and its traditions where the monarchy and people of Swaziland actively maintain their remarkable cultural heritage. This allows visitors to get a true idea of traditional African culture. See it for yourself and experience Swaziland’s unique blend of ancient culture, pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife and spirit of adventure!
For more information on Swaziland and all it has to offer, contact The Swaziland Tourism Authority
Tel: 011 702 9602
Website: www.thekingdomofswaziland.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MySwazilandSA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ILoveSwaziland |
