pageant on Ibo Island, Mozambique

The maximum famous annual competition on Ibo Island in Mozambique is called Kueto Siriwala, which means "to now not forget about your roots, irrespective of how far away from domestic you're".

in the course of the period of the festival, Ibo Island comes alive with colourful hues, dancing, subculture, art, and traditions. In 1773, Ibo Island became declared the capital of Cabo Delgado. It was this 12 months, on June twenty fifth, that the primary Kueto Siriwala competition changed into held.vamizi island mozambique arrangements toward this annual competition, now called the Ibo competition, start as early as the beginning of each year. all of us receives involved to make the occasion a fulfillment - the government, the community, NGOs, and Ibo Island hotel.

fresh seafood, coconut rice, and tropical fruit are all in abundance. Anthems are sung and bicycles are raced for a laugh. Canoes and conventional crusing dhows compete on the still waters within the well-known annual dhow race, and school kids gift their poetry and plays to the crowds. traditional dancing takes location - all in the beginning from Ibo Island. A feel of network fills the streets and a feel of belonging surrounds all site visitors and visitors. as soon as the tide is available in, the population rush to the old harbour and the marina to observe a plethora of dhows start their race, even as sails are billowing. It culminates with a bonfire being lit at nighttime and much joyful celebration.

Ibo Island is a very special place. The motel itself changed into transformed from the fabulous Colonial styled governor's house, together with different homes, and they had been beautifully and sympathetically restored. The houses have big verandahs with Arab day beds, sofas and chairs, and each residence has an open hallway to let the breeze through. they may be embellished with Arab-Swahili and Indian furnishings. The lawns are verdant, with tropical vegetation and shrubs. stroll up the stairs to a wrap around balcony with seating and cushions proper alongside the the front of the terrace, in which you can actually sip a tumbler of something bloodless and watch the incredible sunsets, earlier than dining on crab or sparkling fish or lobster. but, move now - because this island will now not continually continue to be unwesternised, and already there's speak of an lodge being erected.

To stay at Ibo is to get a real experience and knowledge of Mozambique's turbulent history, seeing the stunning colonial structure, a few buildings still intact even as others lie in ruin, their regal fashion nonetheless very a lot in proof, a sworn statement to troubled times beyond. it's the kind of place that grows on you. Watch the local population move approximately their daily existence, oblivious to the vacationers visiting the handiest hotel. you may like to move bird looking one day, or canoe amongst the mangrove swamps, swim with wild dolphins and go to the silversmiths, who painstakingly craft their silver jewelry. possibly take a personal dhow safari, touring a number of the islands, or complete your stay at considered one of our favourites - lovely, costly lodges in the Quirimbas archipelago for the ones trying the finest, powder white sand and definitely unspoilt seashores. but whatever you do, don't leave out this island and try to coincide your excursion in Mozambique with the Ibo festival, taking place from twenty fourth to twenty sixth June.