Next: about 1 to 8 Sept 2027
Umhlanga (Reed Dance)
Thousands of unmarried Swazi girls carry reeds to the royal residence; the king may choose a wife from among them.
When is Umhlanga (Reed Dance) in 2027?
Umhlanga (Reed Dance) 2027 runs from 1 to 8 September 2027. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2026, 1 to 8 September 2026; 2028, 1 to 8 September 2028.
About Umhlanga (Reed Dance)
Umhlanga is held in late August or September at the Ludzidzini royal village in Eswatini. Girls and young women who are unmarried and childless cut long reeds, carry them to the queen mother and sing and dance in procession. The reeds are used to repair the windbreak of the royal homestead, and the event celebrates chastity and respect for women in the Swazi view. The king, who is polygamous, has chosen wives from the dancers in the past, which draws criticism from human rights groups. The Zulu keep their own Reed Dance at Enyokeni in KwaZulu-Natal, in September.
Umhlanga (Reed Dance) dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Umhlanga (Reed Dance) date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 to 8 September 2026 |
| 2027 | 1 to 8 September 2027 |
| 2028 | 1 to 8 September 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
What is served
- sorghum beer
- roast beef
- maize meal
Also part of it, and being written: Umhlanga (The Reed Dance of Eswatini.), Reed Dance (The Swazi and Zulu festival.), Eswatini (The kingdom where it is held.).
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Background: "Umhlanga" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.