The Swazis have retained their cultural identity despite growing western influence. While many people find it convenient to dress in western clothes, large numbers still stick to the traditional brightly coloured native attire.
The Ezulwini Valley hosts two of Swaziland’s most magnificent traditional festivals, neither of which has changed much during the past 200 years. Young girls cut and present reeds to Swaziland’s Queen Mother during the Umhlanga Reed Dance, held between August and September, while the Incwala Ceremony pays tribute to Swaziland’s royal family at Lobamba’s royal palace. Swaziland’s most popular performing arts festival, the Bushfire Festival, offers a far more modern atmosphere at the House of Fire nightclub each May.
The Ezulwini Valley hosts two of Swaziland’s most magnificent traditional festivals, neither of which has changed much during the past 200 years. Young girls cut and present reeds to Swaziland’s Queen Mother during the Umhlanga Reed Dance, held between August and September, while the Incwala Ceremony pays tribute to Swaziland’s royal family at Lobamba’s royal palace. Swaziland’s most popular performing arts festival, the Bushfire Festival, offers a far more modern atmosphere at the House of Fire nightclub each May.