The Zulu and Swazi festival in South Africa is held in honor of the Zulu people’s ancestors and it is a way to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
One of its most important aspects is the reed dance itself.
South Africa’s Reed Dance Festival is an ancient tradition of the Swazi and Zulu people known as the Umkhosi womhlanga, or the Zulu Reed Dance.
It is an annual event usually celebrated in early September at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
As noted above, the festival is celebrated in honor of the Zulu people’s ancestors and it is a way to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
In the past, young Zulu men would go into the mountains to find reeds. They would then use these reeds to make weapons and shields. The young women would also go into the mountains to gather reeds but would weave them into baskets and mats.
This culture-influenced festival aims at paying respect to women and preparing young girls for womanhood.
A very critical aspect of the festival is the virginity test.
Zulu Reed Dance is a three-four-day event characterized by art, dance, music and cuisine. It brings communities and families together to celebrate their heritage.
Thousands of young women travel from all over South Africa to participate in the Reed Dance every year. For many of them, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Enjoy video clips of Zulu Dance below:
Credits: Funtimes Magazine, Yoair Blog, SABC News, Somia_Media, Youtube