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Cashing from culture the eSwatini way

The most recent event is the Incwala or first fruits festival which is also eSwatini's most important cultural event. It has been on for hundreds of years and is a celebration of kingship whose inner workings remain a mystery to outsiders. There are a series of events over about 3 weeks between December and January with the king at the center of it all.

Following Incwala, the warriors begin to weed the King’s fields. It’s a culturally significant spectacle of music, elaborate costume, and dance.

Although eSwatini is world famous for its cultural festivals, the exact dates are never announced in advance because they are based on ancestral astrologers’ study of the moon. Guests and spectators are always welcome but no concessions are made to tourism and their marketing is minimal.

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Duration:

13 minutes