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Zanzibar Island

Colors of Zanzibar Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Stone town is the centre of life here on Zanzibar, the majority of the local population lives right here. Nationals from all over the globe belong here: Saudis, Indians, Europeans, Chinese, representatives of African tribes (Bantu people, in particular). The island forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania since the 1960s. Locals speak Swahili, and many of them speak Arabic as well. Islam is the main religion, though a part of the population belongs to other religions, too. People here respect traditions and rites. Then, there more than three children in every family on the island. It’s peculiar that juvenile makes just 40% of the whole population.

Family holidays with kids in Zanzibar Island. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.

Most families with kids are sceptical about flying to Zanzibar Island, but actually, it’s no longer than to Phuket. On the other hand, there are no direct flights, so get yourself …

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Locals are highly serious concerning marriage, and men usually have a role model among their ancestors at this point. So, a man should ask them for a piece of advice before making such an essential step. Then, they can discuss their family only if a master of the house gives permission. Women are given a firstborn’s name in traditional families. Besides, people take food with their hands from one big bowl sitting on mats. There is also one more interesting tradition – to chew clove shoots before starting eating in order to refresh their breath. And only after that they eat.

Standards of behaviour are quite different as well due to differences in cultures. For instance, it’s good manners to compliment a mistress as you visit an African family, while it will likely be accepted as an insult in a Muslim one. On the other hand, mutual presents are perfectly common in both cases. Moreover, there are certain welcoming rituals. One would welcome people of different statues or groups in different manners, but it has nothing to do with tourists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Cuisine of Zanzibar Island for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe

Zanzibar’s modern cuisine is spicy, with lots of spices, but not hot. Fruits, some kinds of vegetables, rice, and seafood are the base of the local diet, on the other hand, locals eat …

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Nobody’s in a hurry, life is quite secluded here. And you can see it through the level of service in hotels and restaurants – don’t expect your order to be served in a second or that stuff would immediately comply with your request. Besides, there is no point in trying to speed it up. Zanzibaris follow «Hakuna Matata» motto meaning no «worries». Even though the locals are really kind and friendly, they still can slightly prank tourists. For example, they can give them a wrong direction or treat with some rather exotic food. White people are pretty peculiar for local people, especially those who live in remote villages.

There is a great variety of holidays, from Catholic Christmas to Union Day (26 April). Locals also celebrate New Year’s Day as well as Muslim holiday, of course – like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Moreover, one of the most significant holidays here is Zanzibar Revolution Day (12 January). People also celebrate Mother’s Day and Children’s Day.

Excursion over cultural sights of Zanzibar Island - 'must visit' points of interest

Even though most people come here to Zanzibar because of the great beach holidays, there is also quite a decent number of cultural sights. So, you definitely should see Anglican Cathedral. …

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There are people of different religions here on the island. So, Zoroastrian celebrate their own New Year’s Day in July, it’s a huge cultural event. The Mwaka Kogwa festival is celebrated in Makunduchi. People burn a specially-built hut as a symbol of freedom from the last year’s spirits.

There are far more various festivals here on the island. For instance, a huge cultural musical Swahili festival takes place in the middle of February in Stone Town. Lots of dance and music bands come there from all over the country to perform traditional as well as modern music. The Stone Town’s Old Fort is the centre of the event. After that, you can visit the Zanzibar music festival at the end of June-beginning of July. You’ll have a chance to take part in the festival dedicated to Eastern Africa’s cultural heritage, buy some unusual souvenirs and learn more about the East African coast’s history.

Your active city break in Zanzibar Island. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Zanzibar is a great place for an activity holiday. Of course, most of the entertainment is connected with the ocean because Zanzibar is an island. Conditions for kitesurfing are almost …

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One more rather attractive event here is the Zanzibar cultural festival that takes place from 22nd to 24th October. You’ll be able to see various African music instruments, watch dances of different local tribes and listen to modern and traditional African music genres.

There are also diverse world-class sports events in November – like international Triathlon and Marathon. Spectators have a chance not just to root athletes but also to enjoy music and participate in cultural activities.

Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Zanzibar Island

1. Zanzibar became a resort center not so long ago. Therefore, there are not many tourists here. The island belongs to Tanzania geographically. The island is quite safe and civilized. It has …

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Zanzibar Film Festival is a huge annual event. It takes place in Summer in the last week of June and the first one of July. Apart from movie screening and plays, there are forums and conferences concerning place of women in the continent’s art. «Children’s view» is also a part of the event: it includes performances of children music and dance teams. All the activities are usually free, you only have to pay for a very cheap entrance ticket. The sets are all over the city.

This guide to traditions and festivals in Zanzibar Island is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Zanzibar Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

City tours, excursions and tickets in Zanzibar Island and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Zanzibar Island
♥ St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Zanzibar, 19.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph, Dar-es-Salaam, 76.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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National traditions of Tanzania

Tanzania has a rather unhurried way of life. The motto of local residents is 'Hakuna Matata', which means 'no problem'. Tanzanians used to do everything slowly, so don’t wait for an immediate service in the local restaurant or hotel. Even after a note, the locals smile and continue to do everything at their usual pace. The standard of living in Tanzania is very low. Therefore, locals will be very happy with a tip, which is 1-2 dollars for a service. Travelers with the fair skin should be prepared for an increased attention, especially from children. Despite their hospitality and cordiality, Tanzanians like to play a trick on guests of this country. They can prompt an incorrect direction or treat them with an extremely exotic dish. … Open

Colors of Zanzibar Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

City tours, excursions and tickets in Zanzibar Island and surroundings

National traditions of Tanzania

Colors of Zanzibar Island in photos

Search for popular touristic sites on Zanzibar Island map

Traditions and festivals in cities around Zanzibar Island