The Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony is one of Zambia’s most celebrated cultural festivals, offering an immersive experience of the traditions of the Luvale-speaking people. This festival takes place on both sides of the Zambezi River in the North Western Province of Zambia and is celebrated during the last weekend of August each year, serving as both a communal gathering and a sacred homage to the Luvale’s ancestral spirits.

The highlight of the ceremony is the Makishi masquerades, where masked dancers perform intricate dances that narrate stories of bravery, community, and spirituality. These dancers, representing the spirits of ancestors, are central to the Mukanda initiation ceremony, a rite of passage for young people entering adulthood. Chiefs, elders, and government officials often participate, enhancing the event’s grandeur and significance. For cultural explorers, the Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the Luvale people’s deep connection to their heritage.