23/07/2024
Our Zambian traditional elegance’ THE KITCHEN PARTY’ .
In the late 80’s early 90’s barely a teenager, I remember the first time my Mom told me we would host a kitchen party .
I recall standing in the middle of our yellow kitchen in Woodlands (along Mutende Road ) thinking to myself 🤔 “ how in the world are they gonna hold a party in here ? It’s too small.”
😁 little did I know that on that day we’d hold it in the rear garden and I’d see a lot of dancing , hear words of advice and the sounds of drumming . I would also find myself voluntarily running around arranging the presentation of the presents 🎁!
SO WHY DOES ZAMBIA CELEBRATE THE KITCHEN PARTY?
Unlike the Chilanga Mulilo which is a pre-marriage ceremony of the Bemba speaking people the only criteria required to hold a KP is that you are a Zambian! As such, during the KP one is instantly transported into the sights and sounds of one or two of the 73 tribes that make up our nation 🇿🇲as dictated by the celebrating families.
So the KP is said to have started soon after independence and is borrowed from the Western culture in what is commonly referred to as a bridal shower.
It was known as “A Kitchen Tea Party” and no alcohol was served at the party.
The reason for this celebration was to assist the bride in starting her new kitchen. It was only attended by her close female friends and her close female relatives. The females would gather together and as they enjoyed the tea, they would shower the future bride with all sorts of kitchen presents. Being close to the bride, the women knew exactly what to get her.
We have hosted many Kitchen Party’s since the 80s and invite you to take advantage of our current promo ( details on our page) running into September 2024 for your discounted event at Kuema Events Services !