On the 10 May, the Omhedi Palace, in the Ohangwena Region, came alive with colour, music, and tradition as the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority hosted the 15th edition of the Omagongo Festival. Celebrating the heart and heritage of Namibia’s Aawambo people, the event honoured the treasured marula fruit, and the customs rooted in its harvest.
The festival plays a vital role in unifying communities and promoting harmony. Recognising its profound social and cultural significance, UNESCO listed Namibia’s Omagongo Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015 —the first Namibian festival to receive such recognition.
The Efululula Cultural group performing at the 2025 Omagongo Festival hosted by the
Oukwanyama Traditional Authority
A celebration of heritage and harvest: from tree to tradition
The word Omagongo (or Omaongo, depending on the dialect) refers to the fermented juice of the marula fruit, an iconic part of Oshiwambo tradition. The festival, however, is about much more than just the drink; it is a vibrant cultural celebration during which communities intentionally set aside daily routines to celebrate the harvest, socialise, and honour the important role of women, who traditionally prepare the marula juice.
Now held twice a year, the Omagongo Festival is hosted on rotation by one of the eight northern traditional authorities—Oukwanyama, Ondonga, Uukwambi, Ongandjera, Ombalantu, Uukwaluudhi, Ombadja, and Uukolonkadhi—creating a space for traditional storytelling (Oshungi), marula-themed processions, and captivating cultural performances. This year was no exception—crowds gathered under the northern Namibian sun, with women proudly adorned in striking traditional attire.
Horsemen dressed in traditional attire lead a procession at the Omagongo Festival
Visionary leadership and cultural preservation
This year’s event, held under the theme “preservation of our culture and strengthening of our unity,” was especially significant as it marked the first Omagongo Festival under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration. Her keynote speech highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and national unity.
“The Omagongo Festival represents the spirit of our ancestors,” she said. “It is a time of happiness and peace—a moment where we honour our traditions and reflect on the values that bind us together as Namibians,” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the visionary leadership of founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma, who initiated the festival. Emphasising environmental conservation, she encouraged Namibians nationwide to plant and register trees in memory of Dr. Nujoma’s upcoming birthday. "Please register your planted trees with your regional councillor or governor, specifying the tree type and location," she requested, stressing the importance of maintaining records for environmental legacy.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah all smiles at the 15th edition of the
Omagongo Festival held at the Omhedi Palace
Nandi-Ndaitwah further announced plans to expand the celebration beyond the eight traditional authorities to every region where marula trees grow. Her vision was clear: to protect the cultural roots that nourish the nation while building a more peaceful, skilled, and self-reliant Namibia. “In unity, in our diversity, we find strength,” she affirmed. “Let us not use culture to divide but to unify,” she continued.
Ceremonies that cultivate peace and unity
Omagongo season is sacred and distinctly characterised by peace. Tradition dictates that no weapons be carried, and traditional courts suspend their operations, creating an atmosphere of profound harmony.
Beyond the celebrated fermented juice, the marula fruit provides marula oil, a valued ingredient in cooking and beauty products, generating income for local families.
The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority ensured an abundant supply of omagongo for the festival by urging community members to deliver marula juice to the palace weeks beforehand. Women gracefully balanced clay pots filled with the precious liquid on their heads—a powerful gesture honouring their labour and skill, symbolising collective generosity, and uniting everyone in a shared pride and joy.
Iita yakanda group captivates the audience with a traditional dance performance at the
Omagongo Festival, celebrating Oshiwambo cultural heritage
A celebration to remember
The Omagongo Festival offers a rare opportunity to witness the deep respect that Namibians have for their traditions, the land, and one another. It serves as a powerful reminder that cultural heritage, when celebrated and protected, becomes a bridge connecting past, present and future generations.
This memorable event leaves one with a renewed appreciation for Namibia’s rich cultural diversity. Next year, the Omagongo Festival will be hosted by the Uukwaluudhi and Uukwambi traditional authorities, with the Ombandja Traditional Authority expected to host the second leg of the celebration later this year.
Map showing route from Omhedi palace to Etosha King Nehale lodge
Celebrate Namibia’s living traditions in comfort and style at Etosha King Nehale. This thoughtfully curated lodge offers an elegant gateway into Oshiwambo culture and local cuisine. Positioned near the historic royal homesteads and Etosha National Park’s King Nehale Gate, it is the perfect base for discovering northern Namibia.
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