Victoria Falls may be the first thing you picture when someone mentions Zambia, but its people and traditions tell you far more about the place. Independence Day on Oct. 24 puts those traditions front and center. In Lusaka, a wreath-laying at the Freedom Statue honors those who lost their lives in the struggle for independence, while music and cultural performances play out across the city.
You’ll see the flag’s green, red, black and orange all over the holiday, along with colorful chitenge fabrics and traditional dress. Zambia’s culture reaches well past the capital, into centuries-old ceremonies, village crafts and the meals people share at big gatherings. Here’s where to find them, from Lusaka to Victoria Falls.
More Americans Are Making the Trip
If Zambia’s been on your radar, you’re not the only American thinking about it. The U.S. is now Zambia’s leading source market, with 61,586 arrivals in 2025.
That puts Americans ahead of visitors from China. They’ve also passed the U.K., once Zambia’s largest source market, which ranked third last year with 40,290 arrivals.
Start in and Around Lusaka
Lusaka hosts the national celebrations on Oct. 24, and a few cultural stops sit nearby.
- Holiday dress: With more than 70 ethnic groups in Zambia, the clothing and patterns at holiday performances give you a window into many traditions.
- Kabwata Cultural Village: Local artists and craftspeople make traditional and contemporary Zambian pieces here. You can meet the makers and browse wood carvings and handmade crafts.
- Chakwela Makumbi: The Soli people hold this ceremony in Chongwe, near Lusaka. Its name means “pulling the clouds,” and it traditionally opens the farming season. Chieftainess Nkomeshya II leads it, pairing rituals around rainfall and the land with traditional dancing.
Head Toward Victoria Falls
If your trip includes Victoria Falls, two nearby stops dig into Zambia’s history and village traditions.
- Livingstone Museum: Zambia’s oldest and largest museum tells the country’s story through collections ranging from archaeology to natural history. Other exhibits trace Scottish explorer David Livingstone’s travels using his maps and personal belongings.
- Mukuni Village: Close to the falls, this village is home to the Leya people. You can meet local artisans and see their basket weaving and pottery up close. It’s also a good place to learn about customs the Leya have handed down for generations.
Eat Like It’s a Holiday
Food is another way to join in, especially at large gatherings where people share nshima and traditional relishes. Cooks make this staple from maize or cassava meal.
You’ll also want to try village chicken and freshwater fish. Chikanda is a snack that starts with the tuber of chikanda orchids, plus peanuts and dry chili peppers. Ifisashi combines greens with peanuts and tomatoes.
Near Victoria Falls, Mukuni Boma offers a sit-down version of the experience. Its fireside dinner pairs Zambian-inspired dishes with live music and traditional dancing.
If Oct. 24 is too soon for a trip this year, try cooking ifisashi at home or reading up on Leya and Soli traditions. Next year’s celebration leaves plenty of time to plan a route from Lusaka to the falls.