What's On 2008/2009
Lamu Cultural Festival - November
As always the Lamu Cultural Festival will take place around the 20th of November. Attracting many locals and tourists to the traditional dances, dhow races, donkey races, Swahili food making and much more. Local Taarab music by the now famous artist, al-Ahmed Alamoody originally from Lamu town will perform among others.
Last years festival had a great turn out with a photographic exhibition in the Fort depicting life in and around Lamu. Unfortunately Ronaldo, our dhow didn’t win the race but there is always 2008!
Sculpture making workshop – February 2009
The artist Helen Feiler, owner of Diamond Beach Village is going to do a special sculpture-making workshop. Helen works in many medium’s, she has just had an exhibition at The Tate St Ives of her jewellery.
The week will involve collecting materials from the beaches such as driftwood and shells and then designing and creating your own artworks. The lessons will be very informal with Helen helping and assistants major and Mabai.
If you are interested in joining Helen for this then please email to find out more. There are only 10 spaces so don’t leave it too late. Children are also welcome.
info@diamondbeachvillage.com
Lamu Sufi Festival – April 2009
To celebrate the birth of Mohamed, Lamu has a 4 day festival in the town. Unlike the Lamu Culture Festival which mainly takes place in the main square, this is set outside the big Mosque and attracts Muslims from all over the world. Lamu is a very spiritual place and this event is of great importance.
With Swahili men playing instruments they create a circle where the elders perform sword and stick dances to the beat of the drum. Men sit around playing bao in the heat of the day and by late afternoon the streets are full of men and women getting ready for the evening of singing and dancing. There is great excitement in the air with all sorts of events taking place including a dhow race and donkey race.
Friday is when the parade comes through the streets with groups of men from different Mosques and groups from all over the world singing, chanting and dancing through the narrow alleys towards the large Mosque. It is an amazing sight, with hundreds of people in their best Friday dress to watch the entertainment.
