THIS year’s edition of the Harare International Carnival, dubbed ‘the mother of all carnivals’, has kicked off with roadshows being held across the country to create hype for the bonanza.
The carnival is being held under the theme ‘Celebrating hopes and aspirations for a new Zimbabwe.’
Road shows, flash mobs, block and street parties, a clean-up and Turn Up Africa concert will be part of the fete whose activities get to a crescendo on October 14.
Past editions of the carnival have raked in over US$24 million with more than 1, 5 million people participating.
Burundi, Ghana, Cuba, the DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Portugal as well as Trinidad and Tobago are some of the countries that have participated in the previous Harare International Carnival events.
Past events, during the week-long event, have included the Samba Night in which samba girls from Brazil paraded in the streets, the Rhumba Night which has featured supremos like Koffi Olomide from DRC.
Local acts have included Nyau dance groups, traditional dances, cultural displays, drum majorettes and cheerleading by several schools.
Displays by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and other corporates such as Avis rent-a-car, Intercape Pathfinder, Meikles Hotel and Air Zimbabwe add colour to the carnival.
The Harare International Carnival seeks to boost tourist arrivals and foster a positive picture of the country which, for decades, suffered negative publicity.
At least 35 traditional groups have confirmed participation at this year’s edition, 28 contemporary groups, 36 schools, 12 tertiary institutions and 30 companies.
Nineteen countries that include Jamaica, Mozambique, Zambia as well as Trinidad and Tobago will also participate.
Chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Karikoga Kaseke is on record saying inclusion of cultural activities such as mbende/jerusalema in the carnival is part of efforts to “…preserve the intangible cultural heritage of Zimbabwe in arts and culture.”