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Okahandja is closely linked with the history of the Herero people in Namibia. It is here, since the middle of the 19th century, that one of their most important tribal centres is situated. In the cemetery near the Mission Church, lie the graves of their chiefs Tjamuaha, Maharero, Samuel Maharero and Hosea Kutako. The Herero leader Clemens Kapuuo, murdered in 1978, is also buried here.
Every year, on the last Sunday before the 26th of August, is Maharero Day upon which great festivities in honour of the ancestors in Okahandja take place. The colourful festive processions are very impressive. The Herero women wear very long and wide Victorian dresses and the typical headgear that resembles bovine horns. The men wear khaki uniforms.
Okahandja has two big arts&crafts markets situated at the entrance and the exit of town, which are about the only interesting features of the place. 25 kilometres south-west, however, lies the Hot Springs of "Gross Barmen". In 1975, the former mission station was changed into a thermal spa. 65 degree hot water channels up from a depth of 2500 metres, is cooled and then flows into an indoor and outdoor basin.
Further information on Gross Barmen and accommodation in the region of Okahandja on the INFO page. |
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