The people of Ibo Island in the remote and beautiful Quirimbas Archipelago off northern Mozambique are proud of their heritage. They radiate a sense of belonging to an island not only environmentally spectacular but also charmingly lost in the old, special ways of living. The people of Ibo believe in celebrating their traditions and honouring their culture. They share a strong bond based on their multicultural past.

Colourful dancing, traditions, fun

It is no wonder then that the most famous Ibo Island Festival is celebrated with zest and enthusiasm. During the Kueto Siriwala (cue-to sea-ree-wala) Fest (meaning “to not forget your roots, regardless of how far away from home you are”) Ibo comes alive with vibrant colours, dancing, culture, art and traditions.

This nationwide festival, called “Festa Junina” (June Festival), or São João, takes place during midwinter in most of the country. The first ever Kuerto Siriwala was held in 1773, on 25 June, when Ibo Island was declared the capital of Cabo Delgado Province. Today, local people throw their hearts into this annual carnival which involves plenty of dancing, singing, competitions and dhow races. Every year, the event follows the same order of merriment which starts the night before to culminate in a huge party on the anniversary itself.

A bright occasion for everyone

Preparations toward this annual festival, now known as the Ibo Festival, start as early as the beginning of each year. Everyone gets involved in the preparations and celebrations to make the event a success – the government, the community, NGO’s like fundacao do Ibo, and Ibo Island Lodge – from the beginning of the year as they all work together to make the event a success.

Abundant fresh seafood, coconut rice and tropical fruit fill tummies during the festivities. Much energy is spent singing national anthems and racing bicycles down ancient streets. Canoes and traditional sailing dhows compete on the still waters in the famous annual dhow race, and school children present their poetry and plays to the crowds.

During the event, you can see arts and crafts from all around Mozambique, enjoy a special coffee tour and taste a unique Ibo coffee bursting with flavour. Many agree that the highlights each year are watching a game of soccer alongside hundreds of local supporters and the midnight fogueira or bonfire lighting.

Feel the warmth

You must watch the captivating traditional dancing that originated on Ibo Island. And you must feel the deep sense of community as people fills the streets and radiate a true sense of belonging. A piece of your heart will stay behind on the island as the festival serves its purpose and brings families, communities and guests together.

In years gone by the festival was supported by the colonial Portuguese government and the governor would arrive personally by plane, followed by the raising of both the national flag and the enthusiastic singing of the national and district anthems. Then there would be speeches and fun activities, all ending at midnight in the Town Square with the lighting of the bonfire, indicating the end of the festival.

For the people and their history

Today, local people contribute what they can to the festival as the current government is unable to do so. Ibo Island Lodge plays a noteworthy role in helping the island authorities organise the festival and local schools become accommodation venues for visiting Mozambicans.

Two days later when the festival winds down, people are seen waiting for the tide to go out so that they can leave via the mangrove swamps.

Allow the magnet of Ibo to draw you in

Many people have never heard of Ibo Island and when new visitors arrive on its shores, they discover what seems to be a ghost town with its crumbling ruins, hints of 17^th century mansions and other ancient relics. When they delve into the history of the island they find out that Ibo Island has a past dating back to 1600 when Arabs knew the island. And the more they stay, the more they fall in love with the island and the more they don’t want to leave.

The Kuerto Siriwala Festival deepens this feeling and ensures you come back every year. Book your special package for your best ever Mozambican holiday yet.

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