MOMBASA CARNIVAL – Kenya’s Mega Street Party

The Mombasa carnival gave a city that had been known to many as a silent trading port a new identity.

Apparently, every November of each year, the Mombasa carnival -Kenya’s mega engaging festival and the face of the port welcomes and attracts the party addicts, foodaholics, ardent costumes lovers, and good dances. The senior artists converge to share a good time here every year. Gone are days when Mombasa used to be war-filled between the Arabs and the Portuguese.

This street party cranks up the multicultural energy that normally pulses through Kenya’s second city. The largest coastal port in East Africa, Mombasa has been a popular stop-off for traders since at least the 12th century. It welcomed ships from as far afield as the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula and changed hands among the Arab-Swahilis, Portuguese, Omanis and Brits. Today, the Swahili centre’s stew of sights, sounds and smells reflects both sub-Saharan and Arabic influences.

During the carnival, your eardrums are as likely to be blasted by sassy Afropop as they are to be soothed by traditional religious songs. Many sound systems pump out taarab, which fuses the music of countries from Mozambique to Egypt.

The party revolves around two parades, which converge on main drag Moi Avenue. Mombasa’s melting pot of communities is represented by the floats, costumes and dancers, while stalls sell items ranging from woodcarvings to bootlegged reggae CDs. Artists from across Kenya join in the proceedings, making the carnival an inspiring introduction to East Africa’s diverse culture.

To enjoy this festive mood to the max, head to the old town for cheap Swahili cuisine, normally served in Muslim-run restaurants, where alcohol is not allowed.

Historically, this is a far known place for greet and talk either peacefully or through blood and iron for most of the different races that penetrated East Africa through this port.

This all is history and Mombasa now is one of the peaceful, tradings, and preferred destinations for holidays in East Africa evident by dozens of beaches, festivals, and a lot of businesses to venture in.

Happening on Moi Avenue of Mombasa Kenya yearly in the month of November is an action-packed memory-enriching Mombasa carnival.  An event that brings different races in large numbers inclusive of Arabs, Africans, Arabs, Europeans and so any others.

Mombasa to date is best known as the trading hub attracting vast numbers of people that flood the streets in enchantment and joy.

Despite being the largest coastal port in East Africa, Mombasa popularly has been a stop-over for traders since the 12th century. It welcomed ships from as far as the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula and changed hands among the Arab-Swahilis, Portuguese, Omanis, and Brits.

Today, the Swahili Centre’s stew of sights, sounds, and smells reflect both sub-Saharan and Arabic influences.

You can also check out various exciting places in Mombasa. Overlooking the harbour, Fort Jesus was built by the Portugese in 1593. Inland are the Rift Valley and Masai Mara National Reserve.

Source: worldnomads.com