Lutsango Day in Eswatini (Swaziland) Date in the current year: March 10, 2025

The Lutsango Reed Dance is an annual traditional ceremony in Eswatini where married and unmarried adult women cut reeds as a tribute to the Ngwenyama (King) and Ndlovukati (Queen Mother). This vibrant event lasts four days, attracting thousands of women from across the country, and is led by emakhosikati (the king’s wives).

The Lutsango Reed Dance is part of the annual Buganu ceremony, which marks the beginning of the marula fruit season. The fruits of the marula tree are traditionally used as food and for the extraction of marula oil, which is used in cooking and cosmetics. They are of significant socio-economic importance in Eswatini as an important source of income for poor rural women.

The Buganu ceremony marks the beginning of the marula season with the fermentation of fallen fruit into “buganu”, a prized local brew. The Queen Mother receives the first batch and blesses the start of the season, followed by the King, who joins her in tasting and sharing the brew with dignitaries and guests. The celebration culminates on the second day, when traditional dances, vibrant costumes, and lively music create a captivating spectacle.

The women who participate in the Buganu ceremony and perform the Lutsango dance are known as the Lutsango Regiment. The word lutsango literally means “a hedge” or “security fence”, which is used to fence a homestead. The Lutsango Regiment participates in traditional ceremonies and national events throughout the year and plays a significant role in preserving Eswatini’s heritage.

Beyond ceremonies, Lutsango women are involved in community development projects, crafts and initiatives that support the cultural and economic growth of the nation. They preserve and maintain Swazi cultural traditions, especially those related to women and the marula harvest. Their involvement plays a vital role in passing on cultural knowledge and practices to future generations.

King Mswati III announced the creation of Lutsango Day in February 2025 during the first part of the Buganu ceremony. The main purpose of the holiday is to recognize the contribution of the members of the Lutsango Regiment in improving the Buganu ceremony and preserving the national culture. The holiday is celebrated on the Monday after the celebration of the second part of the Buganu ceremony, which usually falls in March. The celebration is held at the Hlane National Park Royal Residence.

Lutsango Day is also celebrated in memory of the late King Sobhuza II, father of Mswati III and the first king of independent Eswatini (then Swaziland). His birthday, July 22, used to be a national holiday, but was effectively replaced by Lutsango Day, which honors the late king’s legacy while celebrating the contributions of the Lutsango Regiment.