Culture Month Launch Slated For Manicaland

Sharon Chigeza

MUTARE-The National Arts Council (NACZ) in Manicaland has started preparing for the launch of the national culture month set to be hosted in Chipinge, Manicaland Province.

NACZ provincial arts manageress Caroline Makoni said a diverse range of events were lined up for the month, from traditional dances to art exhibitions aimed at fostering community engagement and pride in the Zimbabwean cultural identity.

“The first of May marks the beginning of culture month, a month which is the brainchild of NACZ. The month coincides with May 21 which is a UNESCO designated day for culture. It is a month long programme of events meant to celebrate the diversity of culture.

“The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity by Unesco in 2001 proclaimed May 21 of each year the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue. It was called World Culture Day previously. Set aside and proclaimed as such, the day is designed to promote, consume, commemorate and celebrate the world’s diverse cultures,” said Makoni.

She said this year’s edition of culture month launch is headed for Manicaland province in Chipinge district.

“This is a time for us to come together, celebrate our heritage, and remind ourselves of the rich tapestry that binds us as Zimbabweans. It’s also a chance to share our culture with others and promote tolerance and understanding,” she added.

Culture Month is a programme that was introduced by NACZ working closely with diverse stakeholders and partners in the culture and creative industries across the country.

This year’s Culture Month will be celebrated in weeks with each week focusing on specific thematic area as follows: Week 1 is set for Indigenous Cuisines, week 2 set for Indigenous (African) Languages, week 3 set for Fashion with emphasis on local/indigenous creations, week 4 set for Culture Dialogue and week 5 will be a mixture of cultural activities.

The dominant ethnic groups in Manicaland are the Shona, particularly the Manyika sub-group. Their traditions are deeply rooted in ancestral reverence, reflected in elaborate ceremonies and spirit worship.

The province also boasts of a mosaic of smaller ethnic groups across the seven districts of the province.

“Such diversity is not only a source of pride, it is also a driving force for development with a unique blend of traditions,” added Makoni.