Swaziland is a very small landlocked monarchy
country in the southern part of Africa. Its’ capital is Mbabane. Its’ royal and
legislative capital is Lobamba and the major business city is Manzini. Their
major points of interests are its beautiful wilderness reserves and festivals
showcasing its rich culture. It is a small nation with a population of about
1.2 million people. It is a pure monarchy kingdom and as such ruled by a king. It
is a developing country.
Their major two festivals are the Umhlanga or
better still called “the Reed dance” – the ladies dance and the Incwala Ceremony. The Reed Dance occurs yearly
between August and September when the reeds are matured and ready for harvest. The
ceremony last approximately 8-days. This festivals attracts lots of tourists. The
Reed dance is performed by girls who undergo “virginity test” before
participation. The girls wear traditional attire which includes bead-work,
bracelets, anklets, necklaces and colourful sashes. The Sash has appendages of
different colours which denotes which girl is betrothed. The event gives the
country maidens the opportunity to pay homage to their Queen Mother.
These young women actually dance bare-breasted
for their king – THIS PART I DON’T SUPPORT OR AGREE WITH. The girls carry
reeds towering above their heads in a slow procession up the hill to a place. The
procession is actually led by the Chief princess. The reed is carried meticulously
so as not to fall. If the reed breaks before the girl carrying it reaches the
hill, it is considered a sign that she is already sexually active.
The major purpose for the reed dance is to
preserve the women’s chastity as well as solidarity among the women through
working together. Most of these young women look forward to the bare-breast
performance and go back to their normal dressing after the ceremony has ended.
I for one do not support the idea of letting
young women dance bare-breast in the name of culture but i must admit that it does attract tourists who come to witness the girls dancing and saluting their Queen mother.
Their King then makes his rounds to salute the thousands of beautiful maidens
as they cheer him on.
The other festival is incwala. The Incwala is a
kingship dance in Swaziland. How very opposite! The women who
participate in the reed dance perform bare-breasted while the men who perform
in the Incwala ceremony are all dolled-up in their traditional attire. The Incwala
warrior dance takes place between December and January.
Asides the festivals they have a very rich game
reserve filled with wildlife’s such as herds of Giraffe, Hippotamus, zebra,
more than 300 species of birds and many others.
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Shewula mountain camp – you could take a walk
through the community, intereact with its members, witness traditional song and
dance performances and enjoy the natural environs. They also have family sized
huts with hot showers and delicious locally prepared meals that are quite
healthy. It is a quirky kind of adventure.
Hlane Royal National Park – this is the largest
Game reserves in Swaziland and is home to Lions, Rhinos, Zebras, Hippos, Elephants
and Leopards.
Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary
They are also rich in arts and
crafts.
Swazi Candle Craft Market – this market is a
unique shopping centre showcasing craft works by local artisans. They have gift
shops where you can get very beautifully made paraffin was candles, scented
beauty products etc. the shopping centre also has wood carvers who make woods
into woven baskets and carved masks. You will also find handmade magnificent
fabrics, batik prints and even jewelries.
Swaziland is home to lots of Fruits, Vegetables and other healthyfood.
They have nice organic dishes too.
Swaziland is not your usual high-rise building
cities and mega modern transportation and Technology filled city. It is culture
filled kingdom with lots of originality and magnificent nature!
If you like very quirky adventures then visit
Swaziland!
XOXO!!!
