Swahili
Swahili Holidays
Likizo na sherehe (Holidays and celebrations) of Swahili Culture
Swahili people celebrate a variety of holidays and non-secular celebrations. Many Swahili speaking people are Muslim so a lot of the religious holidays are Muslim holidays. Many are also Christian so Christian holidays are observed. Additionally, Western holidays such as Valentine’s Day have come into East Africa and several other non-religious holidays.
Secular holidays include:
•Jamhuri Day – Kenyan Independence Day
•Madaraka day – the day Kenya attained self-rule
•Labor day – siku ya wafanyi kazi
•Nane nane – Farmers day
•Independence day – Siku ya Uhuru
•Union day – Siku ya muungano
•Mwaka mpya – New Year’s
Religious Holiday include:
•Krismasi – Christmas
•Krismasi Mkesha – Christmas Eve
•Pasaka – Easter
•Ijuuma Kuu – Good Friday
•Maulidi – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
•Ramadani – Ramadan
Other types of celebrations in Swahili/East Africa can include:
•Harusi – weddings
•Mahafali – graduations
•Unyago – girl’s initiation
•Siku ya kuzaliwa – birthday
