Festivals

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Tradition and culture is the heart of Ibo Island. It is a common bond, so strong; the grip has remained unloosened for centuries. These values direct all that occurs on the island. All events on Ibo are celebrated with festive zest and enthusiasm.

Frolicking Festival

This festival centres around one thing - family. It is called Kueto Siriwala (cue-to sea-ree-wala). It means; “to not forget your roots, regardless of how far away from home you are.” It is celebrated on an almost forgotten island, on the edge of the world, Ibo Island. Ibo becomes adorned with vibrant colours, and soaked with cultural arts and beliefs.

Kueto Siriwala

In 1773, Ibo Island was declared the capital of Cabo Delgado. It was this year, on June 25th, that the first Kueto Siriwala festival was held. Preparations toward this festival now known as the Ibo Festival start as early as the beginning of the year. Along with the government; the locals, Fundacao do Ibo, and Ibo Island Lodge assist in facilitating the event.

Fresh seafood, coconut rice, tropical fruit – are all abundant. Anthems are sung. Bicycles race for fun. Canoes and traditional sailing dhows compete on the still waters. School children present their poetry and plays to the crowds. Traditional dancing takes place – all originally from Ibo Island. A sense of community penetrates you. A sense of belonging surrounds you. Your heart sinks into this festival, a festival that brings families home. You find yourself, a visitor to the island, doing a traditional dance with abandon. “Nyoka,” it is called, a snake like dance.

15:00 hours – everyone to the soccer field. You experience soccer in the humblest circumstances; no prestige, commerce or fame. It is just soccer, on an almost forgotten island, on the edge of the world. You sit at the main Ibo Island pitch near the star fort. You sit amongst hundreds of local supporters. You stand in support of your Ibo Island team.

The bonfire is lit at mid-night, “fogueira,” you cheer, having learnt some Portuguese. Fogueira, the bonfire, commemorates Independence Day for Mozambique nation, 25 June.

Celebrations start on the 24th and continue deep into the 26th. After the festival, individuals visiting from other islands make their way to the beach, and wait for the tide to rise to allow them to board dhows and leave the island through the mangrove forests.