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ZAMBIA - ATLAS OF OUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
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Zambia is a country of wide cultural diversity. In
addition to seven major local languages: Bemba,
Chichewa, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale and Tonga, the
country is home to over 73 language dialects. English
is the country’s official language.
Throughout the year, more than 20 annual
traditional ceremonies are held in Zambia to
celebrate local customs, social life, rituals, oral
history, natural cycles, past military glories, and
material and spiritual culture.
Some of these celebrations include Bwilile
(Luapula), Kuomboka (Western Province), Nc’wala
Culture
Bwilile Ceremony
The Bwilile ceremony celebrates the harvest season.
It takes place in Chiengi district in Luapula Province
each September and is observed by Senior Chief Puta
and the Bwilile people (ZTB, 2012).
(Eastern Province), Lwiindi and Shimunenga
(Southern Province), Likumbi Lyamize (North-
Western Province) and Chibwela Kumushi (Central
Province). Each ceremony provides valuable insights
to a traditional culture that has been passed down
from generation to generation (Zambia Tourism
Board [ZTB], 2012).
Bwilile Ceremony of Luapula Province
ZTB, 2005