Word UP!

My name is Christian and I am a Peace Corps Volunteer posted in South Africa. The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Reed Festival


Last weekend was part 2 of the annual Reed Festival. Each year all of the virgins in zululand assemble for the King carrying reeds. They present these reeds (and themselves) to the King, after which he picks a new bride. Times have changed so he no longer chooses a new bride every year, but the ceremony persists. I had the chance to attend the second round of the festival that takes place at the royal palace in Ingwavuma.


We were warmly welcomed to the event with VIP passes. Naturally.


Here you can see the King Goodwill Zwelithini . This year marks his 40th year of reign.


It was hard to keep count of all the virgins but here is the collection of reeds.


Highlight of the festival: eating hippo at the palace.

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