. . . as 2026 National Culture Month Launches
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
The Culture and Heritage Tourism Cluster came alive at Barbourfields Stadium as His Excellency, President 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 event underscored the growing power of culture and heritage tourism to drive socio-economic development, promote Destination Zimbabwe, and empower local communities through creative industries and cultural preservation.
In his keynote address, the President applauded Zimbabweans—including those in the diaspora—for championing community-based tourism products that celebrate the nation’s heritage and traditional cuisines. “Culture is good for business,” he affirmed, noting that it remains a key pillar for tourism growth, investment, and cultural exports.
Special mention was made of Gastronomy Tourism, an initiative led by the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The President praised Zimbabwean chefs and culinary experts for transforming the country’s rich, natural produce into authentic indigenous gastronomy—food that not only feeds and nourishes but also showcases Zimbabwe’s cultural wealth to the world.
Through cultural tourism and creative industries, he added, Zimbabwe will continue to present itself as a confident, modernising, and industrialising nation, deeply rooted in its heritage and diverse cultural expressions.
Next Stop: The Mbira Festival
As Culture Month celebrations gather momentum, all roads now lead to the highly anticipated Mbira Festival, taking place tomorrow, 23 May 2026, at the Baradzanwa Cultural Village. There, the timeless sounds of the mbira will connect generations and celebrate the heartbeat of Zimbabwean culture.
Organised through a Whole-of-Government approach by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (via the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe) and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (via the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority), the festival promises electrifying performances from renowned mbira artistes. It will also highlight the growing role of cultural tourism in preserving heritage and attracting visitors.
Grand Finale: Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions
The month’s celebrations will culminate in the National Finals of the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions on 25 May 2026 in Mbizo, Kwekwe.
Here, Zimbabwe’s rich gastronomy heritage, traditional cuisines, and culinary creativity will take centre stage as key drivers of gastronomy tourism.
Together, these events continue to position Zimbabwe as a vibrant cultural tourism destination—where travellers can experience the rhythm of Zimbabwe, the sound of our heritage, and the heartbeat of our culture.
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