Very soon, Omieri’s grand return to Kisumu during the Kisumu Fish Fiesta Festival may turn the lake-side city into the biggest “snake-selfies” harvest of the century across the globe. In an unexpected twist that could only happen in Kisumu County, local officials have decided to add a little sss-izzle to their annual Fish Fiesta this year by rolling out the red carpet for none other than Omieri, the celebrity python. Yes, you heard that right. Coming this April 25th to 27th at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, the Fish Fiesta is not just about the aquatic delicacies this time; it’s going to be a full-blown reptilian meet-and-greet.
Farida Salim, the Kisumu County Executive Committee Member in charge of Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Marketing (and apparently, snake exhibitions), has announced that Omieri is being coaxed out of its cozy spot at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi to be the star attraction. This slithery VIP will be showcased in the Luo heritage tent, surrounded by artifacts and culture, but let’s be honest, all eyes will be on the python.
“We are working on bringing Omieri back to Kisumu so that it is part of the fish fiesta festival 2024. We want to give people an opportunity to relive the memory lane and know where we have come from as a people,” Salim said, presumably while flipping through a python-sized guestbook for Omieri’s fans to sign.
This isn’t just any old snake show; it’s a reunion tour. Omieri, the 16ft python whose mere presence once promised rain and bumper harvests, is making a grand return to Kisumu 37 years after its untimely demise in a bush fire. Talk about a comeback! And with over 5,000 expected visitors, it’s set to be a blockbuster event. Move over, rock stars; Omieri is in town.
But wait, there’s more! The 2024 Fish Fiesta isn’t just leveraging its serpentine star for attention. No, they’re going all out with boat racing, fish eating competitions, cultural dance, and a Mr and Mrs Tourism pageant. Because nothing says “tourism” quite like a pageant and a python.
For the gastronomically adventurous, the festival promises to be a culinary voyage into the world of Luo cuisine. From fish cooked in ways you’ve never dreamed of to exploring the intricate fish value chain, it’s all happening here. Salim enthuses, “Fish is cooked and eaten in different ways, but quite several people don’t know how to do it. This is something we are very passionate about and will be showcasing it during the fiesta.” Consider this your official invitation to the world of fishy finesse.
But it’s not just about eating fish and gawking at Omieri. The festival will serve as a think tank for tackling the pressing issues facing Lake Victoria’s fisheries, with breakaway sessions dedicated to discussing everything from dwindling fish stocks to extinct fish species. It’s a chance for experts to dive deep into the lake’s issues, hopefully surfacing with solutions that don’t involve teaching fish to farm themselves.
And for those looking to get discovered, auditions will be held across Kisumu in the lead-up to the event. It’s all part of the county’s grand plan to nurture talent and boost community tourism, proving once and for all that Kisumu knows how to throw a party.
So, mark your calendars, prepare your taste buds, and maybe brush up on your pythonese. The Kisumu Fish Fiesta 2024 is shaping up to be a festival like no other, blending culinary art, cultural heritage, and, of course, celebrity snake appearances into one unforgettable experience.
Kisumu City News
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