KNYSNA NEWS - Judah Square, home to South Africa’s largest Rastafarian community, officially launches its annual Earth Festival today, 22 July, marking the start of a 10-day celebration of faith, culture and unity.
The festival, which runs until 31 July, draws members of the Rastafarian community and visitors from across South Africa and abroad for a spiritually significant programme rooted in tradition.
Following a series of fundraising events, the festival centres on seven days of Nyahbinghi services featuring prayer, praise, Bible readings, sacred chants and drumming. The celebrations also commemorate the birthday of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I on 23 July, one of the most important dates on the Rastafarian calendar.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Nyahbinghi opening service and the ceremonial lighting of the sacred fire - a symbol of unity, spirituality and continuity that officially marks the start of the celebrations.
The Judah Square Earth Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and renowned hospitality of Knysna’s Rastafarian community. At the same time it showcases the diversity that makes Greater Knysna a leading cultural and heritage tourism destination.
The greater Knysna community extends its best wishes to the Rastafarian community for a meaningful, peaceful and blessed Earth Festival.
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