Festival Overview
- Date: 18th-20th October 2024
- Location: Tudor Creek, Mombasa
- Venues: Fort Jesus (Main Venue), Nyali Beach & Tudor Water Sports (Special Venues)
The East African Ocean Festival was a three-day celebration of Swahili maritime heritage and culture, immersing attendees in the allure of the ocean and the rich history of the East African coastal cities.
The festival showcased the deep-rooted connection between Swahili people and the sea, highlighting their maritime traditions, cultural practices, and historical significance.
From thrilling water sports competitions that celebrated the region’s maritime prowess to captivating cultural performances that showcased the vibrant Swahili heritage, the festival offered a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Spectators enjoyed the action from multiple vantage points along the Tudor Creek, a picturesque waterway that winds through the heart of Mombasa City.
Gala Dinner
An Evening of Elegance by the Ocean
The Gala Dinner, held on the evening of October 18th at the historic Fort Jesus, was a highlight of the festival, drawing over 500 guests into a night of pure elegance and cultural pride.
The evening featured an exquisite spread of Swahili cuisines, paired with live musical performances that set the mood for the night. As the sun dipped into the horizon, the evening was capped off by a dazzling lights and fireworks show, lighting up the sky and the historic fort. The Gala Dinner was not just a celebration of the festival’s start, but a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and heritage of the coastal region.
Day One
Kicking Off with Water Sports and Tradition
The first official day of the festival was action-packed, starting with swimming competitions across the channel, with participants racing towards Fort Jesus as crowds cheered them on.
The energy continued with a jaw-dropping Water Stunts Show, captivating onlookers at Fort Jesus and Tudor Water Sports. The day culminated with a stunning Boat Parade, with vessels of all sizes sailing across the Tudor Creek.
The highlight of the evening was the grand Gala Dinner, where guests enjoyed fine Swahili cuisine and entertainment under the stars at Fort Jesus. The perfect blend of sports, culture, and community spirit, Day 1 set the tone for the rest of the festival.
Day Two
From the Shores of the Creek to the Golden Sands of Nyali Beach
Day 2 was a whirlwind of excitement, as the festival shifted from the calm waters of the Tudor Creek to the sandy shores of Nyali Beach.
The excitement continued with beach soccer, volleyball, rugby play-offs, and a unique camel beach race that delighted spectators. Back at Fort Jesus and Tudor Watersports, the canoe racing, speedboat race, and kayaking competitions kept audiences on the edge of their seats, while the jet ski competition showcased high-speed thrills.
From the shores of the creek to the golden sands, the day was a celebration of athleticism and teamwork, embodying the lively and adventurous essence of the East African coast.
Day Three
A Grand Finale: Celebrating Maritime Heritage and Community Spirit
The final day of the festival was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, family-friendly activities, and the rich maritime heritage of the region.
Early in the morning, fishing enthusiasts ventured into the deep sea for the sport fishing competition, returning to Tudor Water Sports in the afternoon for the judging. The Traditional Dhow Race, an elegant spectacle gliding across Tudor Creek, was a highlight of the festival, celebrating the region’s rich nautical traditions. Meanwhile, at Nyali Beach, kitesurfers painted the skies with color, while teams battled to win at the finals of the Beach Soccer, Volleyball, and Rugby.
As the sun set, the final day culminated in an unforgettable TEAOF Bahari Concert at Fort Jesus, filling the air with enchanting melodies and lively rhythms from an array of talented local artists. Following the performances, the award ceremony took place, honoring outstanding participants and contributors who made the festival a success.
Heartfelt closing speeches from the organizers, marked a fitting conclusion to this inaugural celebration of East Africa’s maritime heritage and culture.
Cultural Showcases
Art, Cuisine, and Dance: The Heartbeat of Swahili Culture
Swahili and maritime cultural showcases were an integral part of the East African Ocean Festival 2024, bringing the rich heritage of the Swahili coast to life.
Festival-goers indulged in a feast of authentic Swahili cuisine, savoring the unique flavors and aromas that have established coastal East African cities as culinary destinations. The festival also highlighted the artistic talents of local Mombasa artisans, featuring beautiful artworks inspired by the ocean and Swahili culture on display. Traditional music and dance performances filled the air with rhythmic beats and energetic movements that define Swahili culture.
This vibrant cultural showcase celebrated Swahili heritage by blending modern and traditional elements into a unique festival experience.
Sponsors & Partners
A Symphony of Support: Celebrating the Champions of the Festival
The success of the East African Ocean Festival 2024 was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners, whose contributions played a vital role in bringing the festival to life. This year, we partnered with local businesses, government agencies, and international organizations that share our vision of stimulating economic growth along our Blue Cities through transformative socio-economic programmes.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support. Together, we created an unforgettable experience that celebrated not just the beauty of the ocean, but also the spirit of unity and collaboration among communities.
Media & Press
Shining a Spotlight on the Festival
The East African Ocean Festival 2024 captured the attention of media outlets through out the region, generating significant buzz and positive publicity.
Through articles, interviews, and social media coverage, the festival’s message of celebrating Swahili maritime heritage and culture reached audiences far and wide. The coverage not only promoted the festival but also emphasized the importance of preserving our oceans and the rich traditions of East Africa.
We appreciate the media’s role in amplifying our mission and celebrating the beauty of our coastal communities. Their support helped us share the stories, experiences, and memories created during the festival, ensuring that the spirit of the East African Ocean Festival resonates beyond its three days.