The Buganu Festival was first held on a small scale since the independence of Eswatini (at the time Swaziland), gradually growing in relevance and also featuring the participation of the Swazi Royal Family.[1]
In it, women from all over Eswatini come, wearing traditional regalia, to brew buganu. The ritual begins with the buganu, fruits and vegetables being sent to the Queen Mother. They are also involved in dancing activities, using a dance reserved for women.[1]
Although the festival happens around International Women's Day (8 March), given the fact that it is a female festival, its signifiance is merely coincidental, as female brewers were active locally long before the existence of the day.[1]
The government halts all activities during each leg.[2]
The first leg of the 2026 edition happened after a hail storm that hit the Buhleni Royal Residence, but did not cause large-scale damage as the women were already engaged in the event.[3]