Inyambo a Symbol of Heritage & Unity

About the inyambo parade festival
About the Inyambo Parade Festival

The Inyambo Parade Festival is a vibrant celebration that bridges the rich history of precolonial Rwanda with the nation’s contemporary cultural identity, spanning three days. The main event of the festival recreates the majestic Inyambo Parade, a tradition where the revered Inyambo cows, known for their impressive horns and serene demeanor, are showcased in all their splendor, echoing the ceremonial practices of ancient Rwanda.

Hosted in the former royal capital of Nyanza, the event extends beyond the parade to include cultural reenactments that bring the royal heritage to life. Attendees are treated to the Igitaramo Cultural Evening, an enchanting experience featuring traditional Rwandan theatre, dance, and storytelling, capturing the spirit and communal bond of Rwandan society. Additionally, the festival hosts an expo that highlights cow products, showcasing the economic and cultural significance of cattle in Rwanda.

This multifaceted celebration not only honors the timeless beauty of the Inyambo cows but also rekindles the flames of Rwandan heritage, offering a deep dive into the country’s past, present, and future.

Royal Nyanza

Former Royal Capital

Nyanza holds a distinguished place in Rwanda’s history as the former royal capital, a town steeped in the cultural and political heritage of the nation. It was here that the royal palace of the Rwandan monarchy stood, serving as the epicenter of political power and cultural identity until the abolition of the monarchy in the mid-20th century.

Today, Nyanza is celebrated for its preservation of Rwandan royal traditions, most notably through the meticulously restored King’s Palace, which now serves as a museum. This site offers visitors a glimpse into the regal lifestyle and architectural ingenuity of Rwanda’s past, with traditional thatched dwellings alongside the more modern palace built by King Mutara III Rudahigwa. Nyanza’s significance extends beyond its historical monuments, embodying the resilience and continuity of Rwandan culture through the ages.

About Inyambo Parade Festival

Event Locations

Kings’s Palace Museum in Nyanza is a rebuilt model of the former King’s Palace and the house built by the last king after the arrival of Europeans.

Kwigira Museum is hosted in a building built by King Kigeli V as a royal residence but was never used. It was previously used as high court. Today it hosts exhibitions of images and texts that explain in detail homegrown initiatives which contributed to the rebuilding and revival of the nation and highlight the resilient history of Rwanda.

Nyanza Visitors Center is located in central Nyanza across from the Heritage Hotel. It will be open for visitors and host various cultural exhibitions during the festival weekend.

Getting there

Program

22 March
Kwigira Museum
Official Opening Ceremony

10:00 – 14:00

23 March
King’s Palace Museum
Igitaramo Cultural Evening

19:00 – 23:00

23 March
Kwigira Museum
The Inyambo Parade

10:00 – 14:00

Full program

Contact

Nyanza Visitor Center
+255 788 669 677
For inquiries and questions about the event