The Maulidi or Milad un Nabi but commonly known as Islamic Festival dates back a very long time
. It's celebrated worldwide in both Arabic and non Arabic countries, though rumors are that it originated from Egypt. It's normally held during the third month of the Muslim calendar in remembrance of the birth of Prophet Mohammad. Lamu a historic old town in Kenya is one place where this festival takes place. It's also the best place to be during this festival. The Maulidi offers a spectacular range of cultural activities that every visitor will live to behold. One doesn't have to be a muslim since this is a cultural activity dearly supported by the government. The festival offers dhow races. One gets to observe young men race against each other and cheer them up. There is also a donkey race. Young men battle it out by outsmarting one another to see who the best rider is. There is tug of war and also a very popular game played by men known as bao that is played in a large board by use of pebbles. The Maulidi Festival is a basketful of activities and it's not easy to become bored. Women enjoy decoration in form of drawings on the hands and legs an activity known as hina painting. However participants don't leave empty handed. Trophies complete the climax of the whole event. For those who love sight seeing, Lamu beats it all. Being an old historic town it carries with it a lot of history and culture dating a hundreds of years. The people are very hospitable, but you have to respect their culture and religion. Enjoy your visit to Lamu while in Kenya.