Holidays and festivals in Kenya reveal the intricate history and numerous cultures of the people. In fact, Kenyans love their holidays, they even created one to celebrate the US President Obama’s win during the 2007 elections!
Calendar of national holidays and festivals
New Year’s Day – 1st January – Marks the start of New Year
Good Friday and Easter Monday – The Friday or Monday earlier than and after Easter, relying on the date of Easter – Mark Easter celebrations, a Christian vacation
Labor Day – 1st Might – Worldwide workers’ day
Madaraka Day – 1st June – A commemoration of Kenya’s internal self-rule standing in 1963
Mashujaa/Heroes Day (formerly Kenyatta day) – twentieth October – Changed from a holiday meant to commemorate Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta to a holiday that celebrates all statesmen involved in the wrestle for Kenya’s freedom
Jamhuri Day – twelfth December – Commemorates the day Kenya became a Republic in 1964 and attained independence in 1963
Christmas Day – 25th December – International Christian vacation
Boxing Day – twenty sixth December – Traditionally a day the place workers receive gifts from their employers, in Kenya it is additional time to spend with household and friends to calm down after the hype of Christmas.
Calendar of notable countrywide festivals
Art Festivals – March – Also referred to as the East African Art Festival, this three-day event is held in Nairobi for exhibitors drawn from the whole lot of East Africa. On display are works of artwork corresponding to paintings and artifacts, etc.
Rhino Charge Festival – June – Meant to mobilize funds to build a perimeter fence within the Aberdare National Park to protect endangered Black Rhino, this festival is an adrenaline-charging, off-road rally and it tests your mastery in driving throughout rough terrain consisting of boulders, hills, valleys, shrubs and embankments.
Lewa Marathon – June – An annual fundraising marathon throughout the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy consisting of a 26.2 mile race through a forest, bush course, openland and going up hills.
Kenya Safari Rally – July – An electrifying 2-day car rally consisting of driving by means of muddy roads, open plains and wilderness and negotiating Kenya’s wildlife.
Maralal Camel Derby – August – An annual event featuring fierce camel races is held midyear in Maralal town attracting each native and worldwide spectators and competitors.
Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament – September or October – An annual international rugby competition held in Nairobi, Safari Sevens separates the wheat and the chuff in Kenya’s rugby.
Kenya Tourism Week – September – A one-week occasion that showcases Kenya’s art and music, cuisine and numerous cultures.
Lamu Cultural Festival – November – A blend of what’s trendy and traditional is held in the Coastal town of Lamu to display arts, customs and traditions of the locals.
Mombasa Carnival – November – A preferred festival that revels varied traditions and ethnicity in Kenya. Held in Mombasa city, the festival features colorful parades, food, poetry, music and dances popularly known as “Taarab” and colorful costumes.
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