April 19, 2019: Good Friday
Good Friday is a day on which “Christians” (Wakristo) all over the world commune to remember the death of Christ. Good Friday is a public holiday in Kenya, and people everywhere use the opportunity to remember the crucifixion of “Jesus Christ,” in Swahili called kusulubiwa kwa Yesu Kristo. On this holy day, a commemorative service starts at three, the precise time Jesus is believed to have died. During this service, people join in on the carrying of the cross and receive the body of Christ. Many Christians use this day to meditate, pray, fast, and repent their sins to reconcile their relationship with God.
May 1, 2019: Labor day
As in many other countries, in Kenya Labor Day is celebrated on “May 1,” or tarehe moja Mei. Labor Day is a holiday for all Kenyans to celebrate their hard work, and the main celebration is organized by the “Central Organization of Trade Unions, “or Shirika la Kati la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi, an organization that represents workers all over Kenya. Every year on Labor Day, workers gather at “Uhuru park,” or uwanja wa Uhuru, where the celebrations traditionally take place.
June 1, 2019: Madaraka Day
Madaraka Day is a day celebrated by Kenyans to commemorate the day Kenya gained “independence,” or uhuru, from the British in 1963. During the ceremony held for Madaraka Day, the first events held include cultural performances. Members of different units of the “Kenyan armed forces” or mwanajeshi, also entertain those who have gathered, putting on shows with musical instruments. The President of Kenya then inspects the honor guard and gives an eagerly awaited speech, a common practice during public holidays.
June 15, 2019: Eid al-Fitr
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world forgo food and drink to engage in activities associated with sustaining peace. It’s a time for Muslims to renew their spiritual lives. At the end of Ramadan, the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims finally break their long fast and happily celebrate with relatives and friends with gifts, enjoying a large feast with rice, barley, and dates. People provide so much food, that even the very poor have food to celebrate on this day. The most popular dessert during the Eid celebration in Kenya is “pudding,” called pudini, which is made from sweet rice milk.
August 15, 2019: Assumption Day
Assumption Sunday is an annual event celebrated on August 15. On this day, devout Catholics wake up early in the morning and join a procession held on the streets, in Swahili called maandamano, sometimes even celebrating with fireworks. The “statue of Mary,” or sanamu ya Maria, is carried to a holy place where flowers are arranged for the celebration and where a statue of Jesus awaits her. Prayers are offered to recognize the body of Mary ascending to heaven where it joins her soul.
August 31, 2019: Maasai Cultural Heritage and Annual Festival
The Maasai Cultural Heritage and Annual Festival is a day that was begun to preserve the “Maasai culture,” or utamaduni wa Maasai, together with plants and forests. During the festival, elders will bless the land and the Maasai’s livestock, and ladies sing and dance to traditional songs and unload luggage from donkeys. The luggage includes food, cultural products, and other items used during these celebrations. Today, this festival is an opportunity to teach younger generations about the Maasai era. They also receive important education on how to preserve this special culture and its traditions.
October 20, 2019: Mashujaa Day
Heroes’ Day commemorates and celebrates “heroes,” or mashujaa, who fought against colonists until Kenya finally attained its independence. Celebrations for Heroes’ Day take place at the Nyayo National Stadium and in the main centers of each county. At the Nyayo National Stadium, the President is received by the chief of staff, followed by an interdenominational service. Prayers are led by a bishop, imam, and a traditional priest. Like on most other national holidays, the President gives a speech about the problems Kenya faces and how the Kenyan people should move forward.
December 12, 2019: Jamhuri Day
Independence Day is celebrated in Kenya every year on December 12 to commemorate the day Kenya gained independence from British rule. Every year on December 12, Kenyans gather together at Nyayo National Stadium to sing the Kenyan National Anthem and enjoy a “parade,” or in Swahili gwaride, that’s put on by soldiers to entertain the President and all the citizens in attendance. Political speeches are presented starting with representatives from each of the counties, the Vice President, and lastly, the President. All of the speakers praise those who fought for independence, especially Dedan Kimathi, a Kenyan patriot who was eventually hanged because of his enduring struggle for independence.
December 26, 2019: Boxing Day
Boxing Day starts by wrapping “gifts,” or zawadi, to be given to those who helped you in one way or the other during the year. These people could be colleagues, someone who works in a shop you frequently go to, or any other person who helped when you were in need. Family members and church members frequently use this day to participate in recreational activities such as “soccer” (kandanda) and “cricket” (kriketi).
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