BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS— Food lovers and cultural enthusiasts can finally mark their calendars as the much-anticipated Eswatini Kota Festival is officially set to return on October 10, 2026.
The event will take place at the scenic Malkerns Country Club, a venue that has become synonymous with the kingdom’s most vibrant outdoor gatherings.
The upcoming edition is being designed with even more excitement and community engagement in mind, aiming to attract food lovers from across Eswatini and beyond. By focusing on a high-quality experience, the vision is to create a landmark celebration of the kingdom’s unique street food culture.
The Kota, a dish with deep roots in township cuisine, remains the undisputed star of the festival. Known for its hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a variety of savory ingredients like grilled meats, tangy sauces, and fresh chips, the dish has evolved into a local culinary icon. This year’s festival will celebrate that heritage by offering both classic recipes and creative new variations crafted by over 30 talented local vendors.
Beyond the food, the Eswatini Kota Festival is designed as a multisensory experience that honors the cultural significance of the dish. It aims to be more than a simple tasting event, serving as a platform to explore the history, artistry, and community spirit that the Kota represents. Visitors can expect a lively picnic atmosphere where the joy of food is intertwined with music, dance, and storytelling.
The festival’s program includes a diverse range of activities catering to all ages, ensuring a family-friendly environment. Kids’ entertainment will be provided with a dedicated zone featuring its own stage, jumping castles, bumpy rides, and PlayStations. Meanwhile, live performances by various local musicians and dancers will provide a continuous soundtrack to the day. For those looking to learn, interactive workshops will offer hands-on experiences such as cooking demonstrations and tutorials on the origins and preparation of the dish.
Doors are set to open at 10:00 AM, promising a full day of flavour and fun. By bringing together the best talent and tastes, the festival stands as a testament to the vibrancy and growth of Eswatini’s local food scene.
#EPN #EswatiniKotaFestival #MalkernsCountryClub #KotaLovers #EswatiniCuisine #CulinaryHeritage #GoldexEvents #KingdomOfEswatini
(Courtesy Pics)
