Eswatini (Swaziland) will host the annual Reed Dance, or ‘Umhlanga’, beginning on August 28, with the main day set to take place on September 3.
The ceremony is a centuries-old tradition where the Kingdom’s unmarried and childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. On the main day of the event, young women from all over Eswatini converge on the royal residence in Ludzidzini. Thousands of women, led by Swazi princesses, provide a sea of colour as they dance and sing, carrying reeds they have cut from riverbeds nearby, to present to the Queen Mother.
According to the Eswatini Tourism Authority (STA), the Umhlanga Festival is increasing in popularity. In a statement, the STA said: “Witnessing this festival is a truly unique experience.” The event is open to the public and STA encourages tourists to attend.
On the same weekend, the biggest biking event in Eswatini, the Swazi Rally, will take place at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo. Now in its 25th year, the rally will take place from August 31 to September 2. It is expected to attract 6 000 bikers from across the world. In addition to the race, there will also be bike stunts, car spinning and music performances for spectators to enjoy.
