Curtains have fallen on the 18th edition of the Lamu cultural festival, with an estimated 20,000 guests said to have graced the occasion, which kicked off on Thursday 22nd November.
According to Lamu Cultural Promotional group Chairman Gharib Alwy, the festival grew even larger after receiving a major financial boost from the County government.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN Digital, Romantic Hotels Manager Kezia Mumbi says that they have received heavy bookings and good business during this period.
”We have had full booking and we had to turn down some clients,” Mumbi said
Sharing similar sentiments by Abdulrahman Shali ,a trader who owns several homes in Lamu town, who says he decided to rent out some of his apartments to visitors who did not get bookings in hotels.
For dhow sailors, they raked in more money as compared to the Easter festivities. Speaking to us on condition of anonymity, some of the sailors said the money they received during the Lamu Cultural Festival will boost them during Christmas holidays.
Swahili paintings commonly known as henna were widely spotted by most visitors who attended the festival. The painters say wearing a henna tattoo is a sign of appreciation towards the Swahili culture.
On the flip side, the county remains on the spot following security breaches that seem to be affecting businesses especially in the tourism sector since the major Mpeketoni attack in 2014.
”Since 2014 it has never been the same again, then last year following the elections we also did not enjoy the benefits of the Lamu cultural festival, but this year at least I am certain the annual year takeover for my hotels will be great.”Reflected Mumbi
A spot check along the streets of Lamu ,also reveals that business is now resuming back to normal with residents ensuring their region remains clean.
The town was listed as a heritage site by UNESCO in 2001 and the cultural festival showcases the culture and heritage of Lamu’s Swahili communities. It is preceded by the famous donkey race, swimming, dhow races and traditional dances.
