This festive season the team decided it was time to demonstrate our very real support for our local artisans, to celebrate our island’s culture despite the disaster of Covid – and continue to be inspired by the vibrant renewal of the Emerson legacy and creative spirit.”
WHY A CHRISTMAS BAZAAR - IN ZANZIBAR?
We got some very strange looks when we announced our plan to stage a Christmas Bazaar this year. Somehow, the idea of Christmas – a thoroughly Christian tradition – on Zanzibar – a predominantly Muslim island – and in the middle of a sweltering, humid summer – well, how’s that going to work? Can it work?
Well, our thinking is pretty simple. We’d like to celebrate the festive spirit, welcome a new season of hope, and invite every person to enjoy Stone Town’s wonderfully tolerant and open embrace of other cultures, different religions. From both hotels, Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi, we can hear the call to prayer of the imams, the various deep church bells ringing, the bell rituals from our neighbouring Indian temples; we can hear the children chanting at madrassa, men laughing over bao, bicycles tooting, a naughty child being called inside.
…and so this year the Emerson Zanzibar team has decided to go all-out Zanzibar and enjoy what we have here that is so special. That is sometimes so “every day” that we hardly ever stop to admire the simple things we have around us. The ways of life that could so easily slip away from us in the next few years if we don’t take a moment to appreciate what is right here, right now.
Let’s remember the gift of giving, and the delight in receiving.
Let’s remember the treasures of our island’s trraditions, culture & heritage.
Together, Pamoja.
You will find only Zanzibar at the Christmas Bazaar, what is ours to share.
Let’s remember the gift of giving, and the delight in receiving. Let’s remember the treasures of our island’s traditions, culture & heritage. Together, Pamoja.”
LIKE A TREASURE HUNT
The bazaar will be like a treasure hunt: spread throughout Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi, you’re invited to explore all the different arts and crafts on offer. Watch artists and artisans at work – woodcarvers, sandal-makers, roaming coffee sellers – and enjoy the spirit of buying little gifts and zawadi for each other.
Take a break with our famous Tea Ceremony, lunch in the Secret Garden, sundowners in the Tea Houses, or just browse your way through all the wares on offer. We have special snack menus for the occasion, so be sure to take your time to enjoy it all.
Come and join us from 19 December to 03 January.
This is a family friendly event. The bazaar will be like a treasure hunt: spread throughout Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi, you’re invited to explore all the different arts and crafts on offer.”
Follow us on Social Media to find out more about the event
In the COUNTDOWN to the Christmas Bazaar we will be introducing the artisans and craftsmen & women who will be exhibiting.
Follow us on Social Media to find out more about the fun family competition!
Soon we will also tell you all about a fun daily competition that will be running throughout the Christmas Bazaar. So please Follow and Like Us on Facebook and Instagram to find out more:
