Zimpapers Logo

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter—
It is here and you can almost feel it – the Harare International Carnival Street Party slated for tomorrow is arguably the highlight of the week-long celebration of Zimbabwe’s diversity.
Aptly dubbed: “The Biggest Street Party in Southern Africa”, the show brings thousands of revellers on the streets of Harare who will be led by the delectable Miss Carnival Gamuchirayi Kujeke.

The Street Party, themed “Celebrating Our Diversity”, starts as early as 9am at the Harare International Conference Centre and moves to Samora Machel Avenue, Angwa Street, Jason Moyo Avenue and Fourth Street. The party ends at Africa Unity Square right in the middle of the capital where the merry-makers will enjoy non-stop music and dance.

Added to the fun, will be a mix of colourful costumes (Mas short for Masquerade), calypso, steel band music and an array of different ethnic food and art; which attract people from around the globe.

Zimbabweans are still new to the concept of street parties but will be pleased to know that the carnival atmosphere dictates that all people are equal and should enjoy the spirit of oneness regardless of tribe, colour or creed and social standing.

The must-attend showcase will see Zimbabweans taking pride in their culture, traditional dress and expensive plumage while drinking all sorts of beverages from exotic to foreign ones. For once, alcohol is permitted on the streets and indeed in public.

Boy oh boy, this is the place to be for all and sundry.

Imagine, Harare playing host to a number of countries from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Countries such as Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa as well as Trinidad & Tobago are all part of the grand occasion to make merry.

Some of the activities that had been lined up in the run up to the mother of all street parties include the Miss Carnival, Carnival ZimDancehall Night and Carnival Sungura Night among others.

A carnival is a creative art form, aesthetic and dramatic spectacle as well as an entertainment presentation on a mass level usually celebrated annually in many countries across the globe.

Carnival usually involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of circus, masked or costume parade and a street party.

A carnival celebration is a great way to showcase a country’s cultural heritage, its people, food, drink, music and its everything.

The first ever Zimbabwe International Carnival held in Harare last year was an exceptional achievement. Business ground to a halt.

Zimbabwe is borrowing the concept from other countries where carnivals are real economies and huge business events.

Two famous carnivals are the Rio Carnival in Brazil, also known as “The Greatest Show on Earth” and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, commonly referred to as “The Greatest Party on Earth”.

Both carnivals have grown into international spectacles, bringing in hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. As their tag lines suggest, each brings a unique experience to the offering.

In Zimbabwe, the carnival is certainly the way to generate tourism in the future given the massive response.