The 20th annual Lamu cultural festival kicks off tomorrow, with thousands of guests and tourists expected to attend after a long break occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic.

Launched in 2000, the festival (right) is normally marked in the Old Town, a historical place that was listed in 2001 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as a World Heritage Site.

The festival is traditionally organised by the Lamu County Government to promote tourism, trade and culture at the archipelago that holds an irresistible appeal to visitors.

The annual event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Coronavirus restrictions. This year, like earlier before, it will showcase the rich culture and heritage of Swahili people.

 Lamu Old Town is a unique and rare historical, living heritage, with more than 700 years of continuous settlement. The annual festival is one of the planned events that will provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the island’s pristine beaches, medieval ambience, magnificent Old Stone Town and age-old traditions of an enchanted island where history comes alive.

Other annual festivals held in Lamu include Maulidi Islamic Festival, Lamu Yoga Festival, Lamu Painters Festival and Shela Hat Contest.

 Lots of activities are lined up — such as traditional Swahili poetry, henna painting, donkey races and dhow sailing — culminating in traditional Swahili weddings and a buffet of appetising Swahili dishes.

 Lamu Governor Issa Timamy said he was excited at the return of the cultural festival after the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the festival seeks to uniquely project the beautiful and diverse local cultures and traditions, adding that it will  kick off in style. The main events begin on Thursday and end on Saturday under the theme:  ‘A melting pot of diversity and multiculturalism’.

Timamy said the festival presents the perfect opportunity for domestic and international tourists to celebrate the diversity of local cultures.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will be the Chief Guest at this year’s event.

Timanny  called on all and sundry to rally behind the festival.

Hoteliers said they anticipate booming business at the festival.