The Lozi people have been celebrating the Kuomboka ceremony for over three centuries. The name of the ceremony, Kuomboka, translates to “to get out of the water onto dry ground,” and it is held at the conclusion of the rainy season when the water levels in the Upper Zambezi Valley are at their highest. This colorful celebration is a significant event for the Lozi people, and it is steeped in tradition and history.
The Kuomboka Ceremony is a vibrant and lively celebration that is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lozi people. The ceremony is marked by the beating of the Maoma drums, which serve as a call to gather and prepare for the journey ahead. With colorful costumes and joyful music, the Lozi people come together to celebrate their culture and heritage in a truly unique and unforgettable way.
The Kuomboka Ceremony is a vibrant and festive celebration of the Lozi people, and it begins with the Litunga dressed in traditional attire. However, during the procession, the Litunga changes into the full uniform of a British admiral, which was gifted to the Lozi people by King Edward VII in 1902 as a symbol of the treaties signed between the Lozi and Queen Victoria. This colorful display is just one of the many traditions that make the Kuomboka Ceremony a unique and cherished event for the Lozi people.
