MANTENGA CULTURAL VILLAGE RETURNS TO THABA BOSIU ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

By Tlalane Dlamini

Eswatini’s celebrated cultural ambassadors are set to take the stage once again at one of the Basotho nation’s most historic heritage sites.

Mantenga Cultural Village, one of the Kingdom’s best-known custodians of Swazi heritage, has been confirmed as a returning performer at the Thaba Bosiu Arts & Cultural Festival 2026, taking place from 30 to 31 October 2026 at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in Lesotho.

Announcing the line-up, festival organisers said Mantenga Cultural Village “blew us away” during the previous edition and is returning to deliver another high-energy cultural performance.

For Eswatini, the return is a proud moment. Mantenga’s dancers, dressed in colourful traditional regalia, bring the rhythm, song, dance and storytelling of Swazi culture to audiences beyond the Kingdom. Their return invitation reflects the strong impression they made at the previous festival.

The festival celebrates arts, music, dance and heritage against the backdrop of Thaba Bosiu, the historic mountain stronghold deeply rooted in Basotho history. The participation of Eswatini’s cultural performers further highlights the shared heritage, traditions and longstanding ties between the two Southern African kingdoms.

Beyond entertainment, the festival presents an opportunity for culture to serve as a bridge between nations, bringing communities together through music, dance and traditional expression.

TICKETS AND PASSES

Tickets are available online through ticketbox.co.ls, with organisers encouraging festival-goers to book early.

• Friday Pass | 10:00–17:00: Adults M100, Kids M50
• Saturday Pass: Adults M200, Kids M50
• Weekend Pass: Adults M250, Kids M80

Visitors bringing coolerboxes will pay M100 for those below 25 litres and M150 for those above 25 litres. Parking is available at M50.

For Swazi travellers, the festival offers an opportunity to support a home-grown cultural group on foreign soil while experiencing one of Lesotho’s most significant heritage destinations.

With a two-day programme, family-friendly ticket options and a strong cultural focus, the festival presents an ideal opportunity for a cultural weekend getaway.

Eswatini Travel News will continue to follow the festival and share updates as the event approaches.

For more travel, culture and tourism stories from Eswatini and the region, visit www.eswatinitravelnews.com.