More to be done ahead of Harare carnival

2014 Harare Carnival

Zimbabwe will next month host the Harare International Carnival but the local populace is yet to understand the concept. The majority of people who came to the launch had no idea what they had come to witness.

On Saturday the Harare International Carnival was launched at Town House with hundreds of people coming to witness the event. But it turned out the majority of people did not understand what exactly they had come to witness but had been wooed by the Nyau dancers and the performances of Diamond Musica.

Only a handful of people had an idea what a carnival entails. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO, Mr Karikoga Kaseke admitted that more still needs to be done to sell the idea of carnivals to the local population.

The Harare International Carnival is aimed at growing the tourism industry through cultural exchanges and countries such as China, Nigeria, United States, UK, the DRC and Brazil, among others, are expected to send participants. 

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2015 edition of the Victoria Falls Carnival have kicked off with hotels already recording 50 percent booking rate four months before the event.

Organisers of the event say more than 7000 visitors are expected. 

The Victoria Falls Carnival enters its fourth year this December with bookings coming from as far as Italy, UK and France in addition to those coming from the neighbouring countries.

The organising committee is currently in discussions with the immigration department to ensure the border between Victoria Falls and Livingstone is open 24 hours to accommodate those that will secure hotel accommodation on the Zambian side.

Victoria Falls Carnival Coordinator, Blessing Munyenyiwa said this year`s edition has been designed to provide economic empowerment not only to the main organisers but the business community within the resort town.

“The community and the town has felt that they haven`t benefitted as much as the carnival organiser. So we are going to incorporate all stakeholders,” said Mr Munyenyiwa.

Mango Groove will perform at the crowd pulling event while other musicians are still to confirm their participation. 

Victoria Falls carnival will run from the 29th of December and end on New Year`s day. ZBC News