Umhlanga Reed Dance is a public holiday in Eswatini. Similar to Incwala Day, it is one of the important cultural events in the country. The festival lasts eight days, and the King will present on the seventh day, the most important day.
Umhlanga Reed Dance originates from the tradition of the annual repairs to the windbreaks of the royal residents with reeds. During the festival, thousands of young girls gather at the Queen Mother's royal village (Ludzidzini Royal Village), then head to cut reeds. Some older girls may march 30 kilometers to get reeds, while some young girls will march less.
Girls will cut and tie their reeds into a bundle and bring them back to the Queen Mother's village on the sixth day. After that, they start to sing and dance in the arena, which will last until the seventh day when the King will present.
The Umhlanga Reed Dance celebration takes place around the end of August or early September, but the exact date will be released when it comes close because it is based on astrology.
The following is the list of Umhlanga Reed Dance in Eswatini from 2022 to 2026.
| Holiday | Date* | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Sep 05, 2022 | Monday |
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Sep 04, 2023 | Monday |
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Sep 02, 2024 | Monday |
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Sep 01, 2025 | Monday |
| Umhlanga Reed Dance | Aug 31, 2026 | Monday |
* The days are estimates, and we will update you when it is announced. Please check more public holidays in Eswatini: