Africa-Press – Eswatini. Large crowds turned up for the prelude to the main day of Umhlanga ceremony, on Sunday.
Usually, this is the day that maidens deliver the Reed they have cut at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, which is then followed by dancing at the arena.
Imbali has defied all odds and security threats to turn up in numbers for this year’s event, which has heightened excitement from the public.
One of the country’s cultural exploits that unites the people of Eswatini, this year’s event has drawn the excitement of the international community with former Botswana president Ian Khama one of the main guests this year.
Khama was present in yesterday’s event, as His Majesty the King’s guest.
He is expected to grace the event today alongside many other dignitaries and members of the Royal family, Cabinet ministers as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
Much against the threats and scrutiny around this year’s ceremony on social media, it was an amazing spectacle as maidens from all over the country, joined by some from beyond the borders, converged at the royal residence in Ludzidzini to celebrate their chastity.
This year the maidens are led by Princess Sakhizwe, the newly installed Inkhosatana.
Maidens clad in their colourful traditional attire braced the scorching heat and danced and sang beautifully to celebrate their successful cutting of the Reed.
Thousands of the maidens are expected to come out for the momentous occasion in what is a show of force and proof that the Umhlanga ceremony is indeed one of the Continent’s largest and most colourful cultural spectacles.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
