IN celebration of Culture Month, the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture ministry along with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) will officially launch nationwide celebrations throughout this month.
This year's theme, Our Culture, Building Zimbabwe Brick by Brick, emphasises the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity.
It is a month-long celebration of diversity, which kicked off with the promotion of indigenous languages from May 1 to 6.
May 7-13 focused on traditional farming practices and increasing consumption of indigenous foods. May 14-20 will showcase national dress and African attire.
May 21-27 will see the celebration of African languages and creative expressions, including community discussions on cultural heritage, ubuntu, and societal values, and also creative presentations in music, dance, theatre, film, fashion, poetry, visual arts, and art dialogues broadcast on radio and television using indigenous languages.
May 28-31 will promote cultural dialogue at all levels. The month concludes with official closing ceremonies on May 31.
The Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister encourages Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, to actively participate in celebrating their cultural heritage. This includes showcasing diverse cultural expressions through dance, music, crafts, sculpture, languages, fashion, cuisine, and storytelling.
"As Zimbabweans, both within the country and in the diaspora, let us commemorate, celebrate, and valorise our own cultural heritage, creativity, indigenous languages, and national pride. Let our diverse culture that makes us Zimbabweans wherever we are be a source of strength. Let us walk tall and showcase this rich tapestry to the world through dance, music, craft, sculpture, languages, fashion, cuisine, visual art, film, theatre, poetry, and literature – all serving as vibrant expressions of our culture and dialogues," reads a statement from the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture ministry.
Culture Month coincides with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, established by Unesco on May 21.
The day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the need to preserve cultural practices that embody the spirit of humanity (Ubuntu/Unhu).
The NACZ encourages organisations, schools, and universities to participate in Culture Month activities.
This includes promoting healthy indigenous foods, storytelling for character development and embracing national garments that showcase Zimbabwe's history.