Maulidi

For almost a century, each calendar year sees Lamu flooded with religious tourists from across the globe, here to attend the popular Maulidi Festival. To the Muslim world the word “Maulid” (Arabic for birth) is in reference to the Prophet Muhammed's birth. However, in Eastern African and the Indian Ocean region, Maulidi lasts the full month of Rabi al-Awal and a few weeks before and after. The most important and observed time is sunset on the 11th of Rabi-al-Awal until dawn on the 12th. The Maulid is recited for that entire span of time, as it is on the actual date of the Prophet's birth.

About 20,000 religious tourists come to the town to attend this Festival. The climax of the Maulidi celebrations comes in the final week (begining on the Tuesday and ending on Friday) of this month. At this time various traditional Swahili dances from the neighbouring towns of Paté, Siyu, Ndau, Faza and Matondoni are hosted at the Riadha Mosque grounds to entertain the pilgrims. Since 1990, the National Museums of Kenya has sponsored the gala in Lamu. They organize various community building competitions such as swimming, dhow races, henna competition, tug-of war, and donkey races.

The uniquely Swahili music, dance, and rituals here are unlike any others. Lamu is a town rich in culture, history, and traditions and will most likely continue to host the biggest Maulidi on the East African coast.
 

Lamu's Material Culture