Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Mbabane Central Business District (CBD) came to a near standstill on Incwala Main Day, as most shops and businesses closed in honour of Eswatini’s most sacred cultural ceremony.
The usually busy streets of the capital were noticeably quiet, with reduced pedestrian and vehicle traffic as the nation observed the Incwala holiday. In line with the declaration of the day as a national holiday by His Majesty King Mswati III, many business owners chose to close their premises as a sign of respect for the annual cultural event.
Only essential services, including pharmacies, fuel stations, and selected food outlets, remained operational to cater for basic public needs. Some small convenience stores also opened briefly during the morning hours before closing for the rest of the day.
Members of the public in Mbabane said the calm atmosphere reflected the importance of Incwala in the lives of Emaswati. Several residents noted that the holiday allowed families to travel to Ludzidzini Royal Residence to be part of the celebrations, while others observed the day from their homes.
The Incwala ceremony, which takes place at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, is a significant cultural event that symbolizes unity, renewal, and respect for traditional leadership. Thousands of people from across Eswatini and beyond its borders gathered to witness the main day celebrations.
Public transport services also operated on a limited schedule, mainly transporting people travelling to and from Ludzidzini. Law enforcement officers were visible in parts of the city to ensure public safety and order during the holiday.
The closure of businesses in Mbabane CBD highlighted the continued respect for cultural values in Eswatini, as economic activity paused to allow the nation to collectively observe the Incwala ceremony. By the evening, some businesses were expected to prepare for normal operations following the conclusion of the national holiday.
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