Back to Home Zambian Traditional Ceremonies:   Brief Descriptions for more detailed information on the Zambian People and Traditions, see our History & Culture Page. THE N'CWALA: (February) This is a religious thanksgiving ceremony by the Ngoni people and takes place in Mutenguleni Village in the Eastern Province. The first produce of the year is tested by the chief,and this in turn, marked by tribal dancing and much traditional beer drinking. THE KU'OMBOKA: (Feb/March) The word ''Ku'omboka means 'to get out of the water onto dry ground'. This spectancular annual event, led by the chief, is where the lozi people leave their homes for higher ground as the rains flood the upper Zambezi Valley. In ceremonial dress, they move to their new homes, where they remain until the waters have receded,and then dance and sing the night away. LIKUMBI LYAMIZE: (July) The Luvale people of Zambezi District, North Western Province, come together to celebrate their cultural heritage at Mize, the official palace of senior chief,Ndungu. Displays of all types of handcrafts, dancing and singing take place during this traditional ceremony. UMUTOMBOKO: (July) In Zambia's Luapula Province on 29 July, Chief Kazembe celebrates an ancestral war dance in an arena by the Ng'ona River. This two-day ceremony is mixed with ritual,semi-mystic performances, pounding drums and long speeches all perfomed by players in brightly coloured cotton skirts and headdresses. SHIMUNENGA: (September/October) Held by the Ba Illa people on the weekend of the full moon, this traditional ceremony is an expression of their devotion to their ancestors. It occurs on the Kafue Flats at Maala.

 
 

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