Next: about 27 Feb 2027
Nc'wala
The Ngoni first-fruits ceremony in eastern Zambia, with warriors in animal skins and a blessing of the harvest by the paramount chief.
When is Nc'wala in 2027?
Nc'wala 2027 is on Saturday, 27 February 2027. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2026, Saturday, 28 February 2026; 2028, Saturday, 26 February 2028.
About Nc'wala
The Nc'wala ceremony is held in late February at Mtenguleni village in the Eastern Province of Zambia by the Ngoni people, as a first-fruits festival that marks the ripening of the new crops. Its roots lie in the migrations of the Ngoni from southern Africa in the 19th century. Warriors in animal skins and feathers, carrying spears and shields, dance and sing at the arena before the paramount chief, Mpezeni, who steps out in the traditional ceremonial garb to taste the first fruits of the harvest. The ritual symbolises the start of the eating season, and after it, people can eat from the new harvest. Thousands attend, including those from abroad, and there are war dances, beer drinking, the singing of praise songs and the roasting of meat.
Nc'wala dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Nc'wala date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 28 February 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 27 February 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, 26 February 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
What is eaten
- nshima
- roast meat
- maize beer
Also part of it, and being written: Ngoni people (The people of the festival.), Mpezeni (The paramount chief of the Ngoni.), Zambia (The country of the festival.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Nc'wala" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.