Major Events & Festivals in Mombasa, Kenya

1. Mombasa Carnival

Annual street party filled with vibrant floats, music, and dance celebrating Mombasa's rich culture.

Colorful Parade: Unique display of colorful floats showcasing the diverse communities in Mombasa.
Cultural Performance: A rare opportunity to witness traditional music, dance, and costume displays from various ethnic groups.
Community Spirit: Brings together Mombasa residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and celebration.

Celebration of the local fishing industry featuring competitions, demonstrations, and seafood feasts.

Competitive Fishing: Test your skills in fishing competitions against seasoned fishermen.
Fish Market Visit: Learn about the local fishing industry and the importance of sustainable practices.
Seafood Feast: Savor delicious seafood prepared by skilled chefs using fresh catch from the festival.

Music, food, and cultural events along Mombasa's waterfront at the historic Timberland area.

Live Music Performances: Enjoy performances by local and international artists in various genres.
Cultural Exhibitions: Discover Swahili culture through art, crafts, and interactive displays.
Waterfront Views: Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Mombasa's coastline while enjoying the festivities.

Showcasing independent films from around the world with a focus on African cinema.

Independent Films: Discover emerging filmmakers and their unique stories from Africa and beyond.
Workshops & Panels: Learn about filmmaking techniques, distribution strategies, and industry insights.
African Culture: Experience the richness of African culture through film and related events.

Promoting business opportunities by connecting local and international traders.

Business Networking: Meet potential business partners, investors, and learn about new products and services.
Exhibitions & Demonstrations: Witness the latest innovations and trends in various industries.
Cultural Exchange: Foster cross-cultural understanding through shared business experiences.

Annual marathon event that attracts runners from around the world to Mombasa's scenic routes.

Scenic Routes: Run through Mombasa's beautiful coastline, beaches, and historic sites.
Charity Support: Support local charities by participating in the marathon or sponsoring a runner.
International Participation: Compete against runners from various countries and experience their camaraderie.

Showcasing visual, performing, and applied arts from Kenya and the African continent.

Art Exhibitions: Discover contemporary art pieces inspired by Mombasa's rich cultural heritage.
Performances: Enjoy traditional and modern dance, music, and theatre performances.
Workshops & Demonstrations: Learn about various art techniques from skilled artists during workshops and demonstrations.

Celebrating Mombasa's culinary heritage through food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions.

Food Tastings: Sample traditional Swahili dishes and other delicious regional cuisines.
Cooking Demonstrations: Learn the secrets behind Mombasa's signature dishes from local chefs.
Competitions: Test your culinary skills in cooking competitions or simply enjoy watching the action.

Three-day festival featuring international and local jazz artists performing at various venues around Mombasa.

International & Local Artists: Enjoy performances by renowned international jazz artists as well as talented locals.
Variety of Venues: Experience different performance settings, from open-air stages to intimate venues.
Jazz Workshops: Learn about jazz history, techniques, and improvisation during workshops led by experts.

Celebrating Mombasa's rich marine life with diving competitions, workshops, and educational activities.

Dive Competitions: Test your scuba diving skills in various categories, such as free-diving and wreck diving.
Workshops & Training: Learn about dive techniques, safety procedures, and the local marine ecosystem.
Marine Conservation: Contribute to marine conservation efforts by participating in cleanup events and educational activities.

Annual camel racing event showcasing the Swahili culture and promoting sports tourism.

Camel Racing: Experience the thrill of camel racing on Mombasa's sandy beaches.
Swahili Culture: Discover the unique Swahili culture and tradition through this exciting event.
Sports Tourism: Participate in or watch camel racing as a unique sports tourism experience.

Annual event celebrating the art of kite-flying with colorful displays and competitions.

Kite Competitions: Showcase your kite-making skills in various categories, such as design and flight performance.
Kite Workshops: Learn about kite-making techniques from experienced artists during workshops.
Colorful Displays: Marvel at the colorful and artistic kites filling Mombasa's skies.

Hot air balloon rides and competitions offering breathtaking views of Mombasa's landscapes.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over Mombasa's beautiful landscapes.
Competitions: Witness the skills and teamwork required for successful hot air balloon flights during competitions.
Scenic Views: Take in stunning views of Mombasa's coastline, forests, and wildlife from above.

Celebration of Mombasa's culinary heritage with food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions.

Food Tastings: Sample traditional Swahili dishes and other delicious regional cuisines.
Cooking Demonstrations: Learn the secrets behind Mombasa's signature dishes from local chefs.
Competitions: Test your culinary skills in cooking competitions or simply enjoy watching the action.

Celebration of Mombasa's rich cultural heritage with music, dance, art, and food.

Music & Dance Performances: Enjoy traditional Swahili music and dance performances.
Art Exhibitions: Discover contemporary art pieces inspired by Mombasa's rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Workshops: Learn about various Swahili traditions and techniques during workshops.