The traditional Xhosa wedding or “ukwenda” is a big event for the whole local community. It last for at least two days. The wedding ceremony is held in the groom’s home. Some meat is sacrificed to the ancestors.
The wedding has many rituals. One of the most important ones is called “utsiki”. The groom’s family prepares some goat meat and sour milk. The bride (“umakoti”) has to eat them.
The newlyweds walk down the road and show themselves to the whole community. This is known as “ukucanda ibala”.
With the marriage the woman enters the new family. Traditionally she gets a new name. After the dowry has been paid the bride gets a special gift from her family