The Culture and Heritage Tourism Cluster came alive at Barbourfields Stadium as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa officially launched the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations under the theme “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions.”
The commemorations highlighted the growing importance of Culture and Heritage Tourism in advancing socio-economic development, promoting Destination Zimbabwe and empowering Communities through Creative Industries and Cultural Preservation. In his keynote address, the President applauded Zimbabweans, including those in the Diaspora, for establishing Community-Based Tourism products that advance the country’s Heritage and traditional Cuisines, noting that Culture is good for business and remains a key pillar for Tourism growth, Investment and Cultural exports.
The President also commended Gastronomy Tourism, an initiative being championed by the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, applauding Zimbabwean Chefs and culinary experts who transform the rich produce from the country’s land into authentic Indigenous Gastronomy that feeds, nourishes and showcases the Nation’s rich Cultural Heritage to the world.
He further underscored that through Cultural Tourism and the Creative Industries, Zimbabwe will continue projecting itself to the world as a confident, modernising and industrialising Nation anchored on its rich Heritage and diverse Cultural expressions.
As Culture Month celebrations continue to gather momentum, all roads now lead to the highly anticipated Mbira Festival today, the 23rd of May 2026, at Baradzanwa Cultural Village, where the timeless sounds of the Mbira will connect generations and celebrate the heartbeat of Zimbabwean Culture. Organised through the Whole of Government Approach by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the festival is expected to deliver electrifying performances by renowned mbira artistes while showcasing the growing importance of Cultural Tourism in preserving Heritage and attracting Tourists.
The celebrations will culminate with the National Finals of the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions scheduled for the 25th of May 2026 in Mbizo, Kwekwe, where Zimbabwe’s rich Gastronomy Heritage, traditional Cuisines and Culinary Creativity will take centre stage as key components of Gastronomy Tourism. Together, these events continue to position Zimbabwe as a vibrant Cultural Tourism destination where Tourists can experience the rhythm of Zimbabwe, the sound of our Heritage and the heartbeat of our Culture.
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