Zanzibar Unique

The Arab influence on Zanzibar and Pemba islands is evident in the people, who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and Bantu from the mainland, though the latter predominate. Asians are a significant minority especially in the towns and cities. Europeans (either by descent or expatriate) are a smaller minority.

The island of origin of the locals pretty much determines what tribe they belong to. The Waunguja would emanate from Unguja Island, with Wapemba tribe from Pemba Island and Watumbatu from Tumbato Island. The Hadimu and Tumbatu tribes were the indeginous people of Zanzibar, most Hadimu live in the southern part the Island while the Tumbatu are predominantly found in the North.

The official languages of Zanzibar are Kiswahili and English. English is spoken by most of the islanders, and many have a working knowledge of Italian and Arabic It's extremely useful for the traveller to have a working knowledge of Swahili, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country.

FESTIVALS

The 6th Festival of the Dhow Countries - June / July
East Africa’s largest cultural event, takes place in Zanzibar in magnificent, historical venues along the waterfront of Stone Town. The festival celebrates the unique cultural heritage of the "Dhow" countries: the African continent and the Indian Ocean region and their global Diaspora.

The Zanzibar International Culture Festival - July
(Tamasha la Utamaduni la Mzanzibari) The Zanzibar Cultural Festival features traditonal and contemporary dance, music, arts and crafts. Many of the dances have their roots in ancient tribal rituals connected with the many stages of a human life, or with royal ceremonies. Drawing participants as far as Mozambique, Kenya, Comoro, Germany, China, India etc., Cultural Festival has became very popular in Zanzibar.

Mwakakogwa Festival - July/August
a traditional festival to celebrate the local New Year. It is mainly practiced in the Southern Unguja, particularly in Makunduchi. Originating from Persia and brought here by early, Immigrants, Mwakakogwa is marked by sacrifices, dances, and the actual field fighting. In addition to the tourists from abroad, it draws participants from the whole of East Africa.