Engagement Party Malawi Style

A couple weekends ago Josh and I had the unique opportunity to attend my co-workers engagement party. We weren't quite sure what to expect.. we heard it was going to be a big party, and were warned ahead of time by friends that we should bring lots of small bills because people throw money at the couple. Huh? Needless to say we were extremely intrigued and knew this was a must-see event.  It started at 1:30 and ended around 6pm. When we arrived at the hall (unfortunately an hour late because the mini-bus to Blantyre was soo slow and a poor girl was barfing in the back.. ugg) we were met at the door by about two dozen African tribal dancers, dressed in their traditional clothing.  I didn't have my camera out for that.. too bad!  But here are some photos of the hall:

Comesa Hall in Blantyre

Walking into the hall

The program for the day

 We were instantly blown away by the amount of people! There must have been over 500! The hall was lavishly decorated with a "hut" at the front and long red carpet down the middle leading to this hut. We found out soon enough that the engaged couple leave and come back many times, often changing their clothes in between.  What a party!

Unfortunately this doesn't capture how many people were there.
To the right were rows and rows, as well as behind us. Ahead
were the tables reserved I think for family.

A big entrance from Joe and Nancy

Joe waiting at the front waiting for Nancy to enter in again.
Just dancing away to the music- there was so much dancing!

One of the most interesting things about this party was the "Perikani-Perikani"- not sure the exact translation, but basically people come up and literally throw money at the couple and they catch it in these big baskets. And this doesn't just happen once..there were at least 3 perikani-perikani's in the program. One for the couple, one for each set of parents, there was even one for Joe's "facebook" friends to come up!

We all lined up to "dance" towards the couple to
throw money

Josh throwing money- did he get it in?

Catching the money in a basket

The program also consisted of traditional dances from each of their tribes. I've never seen such clothing and head dresses- this was a true African experience!

Traditional dancers making use of the red carpet

A second tribe

And then of course there was us :) Just taking it all in! This is something we will never forget- the sheer size of it, all the dancing and throwing of money and gifts (some people gave chickens). We were truly blessed to have been able to attend!

Sometimes I forget how much we stick out! lol