…..25 Jan suggested date for Year opening prayer service
By Mbongeni Ndlela
MBABANE – The highly anticipated Buganu Festival is likely to kick off on February 7, 2025, at the Buhleni Royal Residence, marking the first session of this annual cultural celebration in Eswatini.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the festival’s dates are part of the possible new events calendar for the year. The calendar also includes new key national events leading up to the festival. These include the Year’s Opening Prayer Service on January 25 and the official opening of the 13th Parliament’s first session on January 31. The second session of the Buganu Festival will take place on February 21 at the Hlane Royal Residence.
In 2024, the Buhleni Buganu Festival was celebrated from February 16 to 18, followed by the Hlane session on March 9 and 10. This year’s earlier schedule promises a fresh take on this traditional celebration.
The Buganu Festival, also known as the Marula Festival, honors the harvest of the marula fruit, a vital element of Eswatini’s cultural and economic heritage. Marula, cherished for its versatility, is the key ingredient in a traditional brew enjoyed during the festival. It is also used to produce the globally recognized Amarula beverage and various skincare products.
The festival is not only a vibrant showcase of Eswatini culture through song and dance but also an empowering platform for women. Women from across the kingdom gather to present community-made products, reinforcing the significance of marula in both cultural identity and economic sustainability.
Central to the festival is the expression of loyalty and unity. Women demonstrate their commitment to the Royal Family, highlighting the deep cultural ties that bind the nation. Attendees, including locals and tourists, are treated to a vivid display of tradition and craftsmanship, making the festival a cornerstone of Eswatini’s cultural calendar.
This year’s event promises to draw large crowds eager to immerse themselves in the festivities and honor the marula harvest. With the festival fast approaching, preparations are underway to ensure a seamless celebration of unity, culture, and tradition.
Key Dates:
- January 25, 2025: Year’s Opening Prayer Service
- January 31, 2025: Official Opening of the 13th Parliament
- February 7, 2025: Buhleni Buganu Festival
- February 21, 2025: Hlane Buganu Festival
Eswatini is ready to celebrate its rich heritage through the Buganu Festival, an event that captures the spirit and vibrancy of the nation.
