Crayfish for N$30 at Lüderitz festival

Vice President Lucia Witbooi will officiate at the opening of the 19th Lüderitz Crayfish Festival on 1 May, where patrons will pay N$30 per crayfish to experience the full flavour of the delicacy, a cornerstone of the harbour town’s identity.

The annual event, which runs from 28 April to 3 May in the harbour town, is set to showcase Namibia’s strengths to both local and international visitors, particularly in tourism, the blue economy and cultural promotion.

Victoria de Klerk, chairperson of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival Trust management committee, said on Wednesday that the trust will subsidise crayfish vendors, as in previous years. "The trust pays up to N$2 600 per box, and this year it is selling for N$700. Although the price per box is slightly higher than last year, the trust has decided to maintain the selling price at N$700, allowing crayfish to be sold to the public at N$30 each,” De Klerk said.

The session brought vendors together to outline preparations for the festival, including the services to be offered. “We have various types of vendors, but the most important are our approximately 35 seafood vendors. They make up about 40% of all vendors and benefit from subsidised pricing. This enables them to gain more from the festival while keeping crayfish accessible,” she said. “The festival is about ensuring that Namibians from all walks of life understand the potential of crayfish, not only as a source of protein but also as a means of supporting livelihoods.”

Economic spinoffs - De Klerk said events such as the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival play a key role in showcasing Namibia’s strengths.

“The purpose of the festival is to boost economic development, enhance tourism and create benefits for the Lüderitz community." She said beyond entertainment, the festival stimulates local economic activity, supports small and medium-sized enterprises and creates seasonal employment opportunities.

She added that the impact extends to informal traders, street vendors, shops, fuel stations and the hospitality sector. With limited accommodation available, some residents also open their homes to visitors as an additional source of income.

This year’s festival will again feature a wide range of fast-food vendors, stalls selling traditional attire and a Kiddies’ Corner, as well as a business conference scheduled for 30 April at the Lüderitz Waterfront Auditorium.

“Apart from SME vendors, we also have stalls occupied by corporates, state-owned enterprises and government ministries. We received an overwhelming number of applications and unfortunately could not accommodate everyone. We hope to expand the space next year,” De Klerk said.

She encouraged residents to welcome visitors warmly. “Please open your doors and your hearts. To our visitors, Lüderitz is waiting for you. Come and experience one of the biggest festivals in the country – we are ready.”