It is culturally significant because it brings the different cultures of the community together.
During the carnival they eat all kinds of food like samosas which is a crispy fried dough filled with seasoned meat, Viaza Karai which is battered and fried potato chunks, Mitai which is fried dough covered in sugar, and lastly, Kachori is a fried pastry filled with spiced mung beans.
This carnival is celebrated throughout most of the month of November.
The carnival's origins can't be pinpointed to a specific day or event but it can be assumed that it happened as a result of the town being a trading port that brought many people of many cultures to call the town of Mombasa home.
The purpose of the Mombasa carnival in Kenya is to celebrate all of the Kenyan tribes, cultural influences, and traditions which include the most prominent cultures such as Arab, Persian, Swahili, Portuguese, and British.
There are two main parades and smaller ones in between throughout the month. These parades consist of floats with dancers on them in costumes. People are encouraged to dance alongside the float and have fun. On the sidelines, there are food stands and shops where people can buy woodcarvings, baskets, and artworks. Music is really important so it is a must that there are bands who play traditional and modern music from different significant cultures.
It is celebrated by the significant tribes of the area but also by tourists and visitors who choose to participate.
