Celebrations, Music and Events in ZanzibarTaarab:
This is a local form of music with a mix of sounds and styles from Africa, India and Arabia. Audience participation is part of the event. Show times and venues are broadcast on the radio, but visitors can ask at hotels and restaurants for information.
Ngoma:
This is a traditional African dance with singing and is set to fast rhythmic drumming. Visitors will need to ask at hotels and restaurants for information on public shows – some restaurants offer Ngoma on its own or combined with Taarab (these shows are very long so be prepared).
Eid-al-Fitr Festival:
This festival occurs at the end of Ramadan which happens at a different time each year and so a local Islamic calendar will need to be consulted for the dates.
Sauti Za Busara Swahili Music and Cultural Festival:
This festival showcases the diversity and wealth of Swahili music and takes place during the first 2 weeks of February in Stone Town.
Zanzibar International Film Festival:
This forms part of the Festival of the Dhow in East Africa and occurs in July annually in Stone Town.
Zanzibar Music Festival:
Featuring artists and shows from around the world, this festival happens in July annually and runs for about a week in Stone Town.
Dhow Racing:
Taking place in the Stone Town harbour, the Dhow races occur in July annually. Visitors should enquire locally for information on dates and the best viewing spots.
Mwaka Kogwa:
This celebration lasts 4 days, usually from around the 3rd week of July, taking place in a small village called Makunduchi located in the south of Unguja / Zanzibar Island.
International Triathlon and Marathon:
These popular events draw participants from Africa, Asia and Europe to Unguja / Zanzibar Island. Both races cover Olympic distances and take place in wonderful locations in early November. Public Holidays
- 1 Jan: New Year's Day
- 1 May: Worker's Day
- 12 Jan: Zanzibar Revolution Day
- 26 Apr: Union Day
- 5 Feb: CCM Foundation Day
- 7 Jul: Peasant's Day
- 9 Dec: Tanganyika Independence Day
Other holidays that vary from year to year include the Muslim Festivals of Ramadan and the Prophet’s Birthday, and Good Friday and Easter Monday from the Christian calendar. Tips for Travellers in ZanzibarWith the rise in tourism to Zanzibar, visitors need to be aware they are in a culture that may differ greatly from their own, the people are welcoming and friendly and care should be taken not to offend the traditional values of the local people or harm the environment.
Clothing:
Zanzibar is close to the Equator and it never gets really cold, so light clothing is advisable - however, visitors should dress modestly when not on the beach. Women in particular are advised not to expose too much leg or wear skimpy tops and topless sunbathing is a no-no.
Out and about:
Non-Muslims are asked not to enter any of the mosques in Zanzibar. When taking photographs of the local people it is a courtesy to ask their permission first. Visitors with children are also asked to be discreet with expensive toys in front of local children who in all likelihood come from quite a different background.
The environment:
Visitors are asked not to pick up any shells whilst snorkelling, or purchase any from those selling them as this encourages the destruction of entire coral reefs, a problem now evident in other popular areas along the East African coast. Zanzibar AccommodationThese Zanzibar accommodation options are only a few of the fantastic Zanzibar Hotels and Resorts. Ask your Siyabona Africa Travel Consultant for more options to suit your needs. | 
