Madaraka Day
Season or date: June 1
National event celebrating self-governance in 1963. Military parades and cultural performances are held.
Festivals in Kenya
Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country
Festivals
Jamhuri Day
Season or date: December 12
Independence Day. The largest celebration with ceremonies and fireworks across the country.
Mashujaa Day
Season or date: October 20
Day honoring independence heroes. Memorial ceremonies held at schools and parks.
Huduma Day
Season or date: October 10
Day promoting public service. Community cleanups and charity activities organized.
Lamu Cultural Festival
Season or date: November
Swahili cultural festival in the UNESCO World Heritage Lamu Old Town. Dhow races and poetry recitations are highlights.
Mombasa Carnival
Season or date: November
Large-scale parade brightening the coastal city of Mombasa. Traditional costumes and floats parade along the coast.
Lake Turkana Festival
Season or date: June
Multicultural event where 14 nomadic tribes from the north gather to exchange dance and song.
Nairobi International Trade Fair
Season or date: Late September–Early October
Country''s largest commercial expo, begun as an agricultural show.
Safari Rally
Season or date: June
Legendary off-road rally of the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Kalasha Film & TV Awards
Season or date: November
Kenya''s Academy Awards-style recognition of the film and television industry.
Public holidays
- New Year''s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- May Day
- Madaraka Day
- Huduma Day
- Mashujaa Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas
- Boxing Day