MBABANE – Colourful traditional attire, rhythmic song and the scent of fermented marula fruit fill the air each year as Eswatini gathers for the Buganu Ceremony, one of the Southern African kingdom’s most significant cultural events.
Usually held annually in February and March at two royal residences, the ceremony draws thousands of women from the national regiment known as Lutsango, alongside members of the public and international visitors. This year, however, the first leg of the celebration, which starts in Buhleni, coincided with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, prompting some members of the country’s Muslim community to reconsider attending.
Noteworthy, the Islamic community does not bar Muslims from attending this ceremony during Ramadan, nor does Eswatini Culture exclude them from doing so. Instead, some of the members gave reasons that could make it difficult to attend, even though they want to.
Eswatini, a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique, is rich in culture with major ceremonies displaying this, scattered through the year. Cultural ceremonies remain central to national identity and governance, and the Buganu Ceremony, also known as the Marula Ceremony — is among the most prominent.
Buganu is a sweet, low alcohol content wine that is brewed from the juices of the marual fruit for about three days. The marula fruit, from which this beverage is made is also used for many other products such as oils, juices, charcoal, soaps and many others which are also showcased during the Buganu Ceremony at some stalls.
The ceremony traditionally unfolds in two stages. The first leg takes place at the Buhleni Royal Residence in the Hhohho Region, while the second is held approximately two weeks later at the Hlane Royal Residence in the Lubombo Region. This year, the Buhleni ceremony ran from February 27 to March 1. The second leg is expected to commence on March 13 at Hlane.
Their Majesties King Mswati III and the Queen Mother, also known as the Indlovukazi, are always in attendance to oversee the proceedings. Their presence underscores the national importance of the event, which blends cultural celebration with royal protocol.
The first day of each ceremony is marked by the arrival of Lutsango members from across the country. Lutsango is the country's women regiment comprising thousands who participate in major national ceremonies. Dressed in traditional attire, the women wear colourful kangas, locally known as emahiya, wrapped over their garments. They travel in organised groups to present gifts to the monarchy. These offerings include fruit, vegetables and large 20-litre containers filled with marula brew. The gifts are not just limited to alcohol.
The second day is regarded as the main event. It is characterised by choreographed song and dance performances prepared in advance by the regiments. The performances are both celebratory and symbolic, reflecting themes of unity, loyalty and cultural pride. Traditional songs echo across the royal residences as participants move in synchronised formations before Their Majesties and gathered crowds. Each year, women compose new songs, sometimes aligning with the political climate of the time.
Beyond the regiments, Buganu attracts thousands of other emaSwati, as well as tourists from neighbouring countries and further. The communities where this event takes place become abuzz with vendors selling food, beverages, crafts and traditional items. For many small traders, the ceremony represents an important economic opportunity.
While the festival atmosphere is unmistakable, this year’s timing introduced a layer of complexity. The first leg of the ceremony overlapped with Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar observed by Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, practising Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food and drink while dedicating time to prayer, reflection and charitable acts.
Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan shifts by approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. As a result, it periodically coincides with national or cultural events. This year, that coincidence occurred during the first leg of Buganu at Buhleni and will extend into preparations for the second leg at Hlane.
In Eswatini, the Islamic community is growing fast, though the majority are Christians. Eswatini culture does not segregate religions, but all are welcome to attend the ceremony as there are also other faiths.
Sayed Matsebula, speaking on behalf of members of the Islamic community, explained that while Muslims respect the cultural significance of Buganu, fasting commitments may influence attendance decisions. He, however, said it was likely that some would attend the event and that there was nothing wrong with that.
“Muslims do attend the Buganu Ceremony,” he said. “We respect the culture of this country, and we value Their Majesties. Our attendance is not about drinking; it is about being present and listening to the wise words that are often shared.”
Under Islamic teachings, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. However, Matsebula clarified that there is no religious prohibition against attending a public event where alcohol is present, such as the Buganu Ceremony. The decision, he said, is often influenced by individual circumstances and physical considerations during fasting.
Fasting from dawn to sunset can be physically demanding, particularly during long days spent outdoors. Buganu ceremonies typically involve extended periods of standing, singing and dancing under the sun. For some individuals observing Ramadan, this may pose practical challenges.
“Some may attend, but not many would,” Matsebula said. “It depends on the individual.”
He added that while he personally would not be attending this year due to fasting commitments, this should not be interpreted as a sign of division.
Beyond fasting, Ramadan is also marked by charity. In keeping with that principle, members of the Islamic community are currently constructing two houses for families in need. The homes are expected to be officially handed over through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, reflecting cooperation between community initiatives and national institutions. In Eswatini, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for social welfare.
“This is part of what Ramadan teaches us,” Matsebula said. “It is about giving back, supporting the needy and strengthening the community.”
Cultural observers note that overlaps between religious observances and national ceremonies are not unprecedented in Eswatini. As Ramadan continues to shift annually, it will inevitably intersect with various events at different points in time. Such coincidences, they say, highlight the diversity within the country rather than presenting a conflict.
Buganu itself is not a religious ceremony but a cultural and royal one rooted in tradition yet deemed as sacred. Although the brew from which it takes its name is central to the symbolism of the event, participation does not require its consumption. For many attendees, the primary significance lies in the gathering of regiments, the reaffirmation of loyalty and the celebration of heritage.
At Buhleni, where the first leg has already concluded, traditional songs marked the arrival of regiments as thousands gathered to witness the spectacle. With the second leg approaching at Hlane, preparations are under way for another large turnout.
