Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
Just days before its much-anticipated return, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) has announced that its planned August 2026 edition has been postponed, dealing a blow to thousands of arts lovers who have been eagerly counting down to the festival’s comeback.
In a statement released on Thursday, the organisers said the decision followed “careful consideration”, adding that more time was needed to ensure the festival returns with the quality, artistic excellence and organisational standards that have made HIFA one of Africa’s most celebrated arts festivals.
“Reviving a festival with HIFA’s history, ambition and scale is a significant undertaking,” the organisers said.
“As preparations have progressed, it has become clear that giving ourselves more time is the most responsible way to ensure that HIFA returns with the artistic excellence, organisational care and sense of occasion that our audiences expect and deserve.”
The announcement comes after months of excitement following news that HIFA would finally return after years off the calendar.
The festival had sparked renewed optimism within Zimbabwe’s creative sector, with artists, theatre practitioners, musicians, dancers, visual artists, festival goers and tourism players welcoming its revival.
Organisers acknowledged that the postponement would disappoint many supporters but insisted they would rather delay the event than compromise its legacy.
“While this news will disappoint many people, we believe it is far better to take the necessary time now than to compromise the quality and integrity that have always defined HIFA,” the statement read.
Despite the postponement, HIFA says preparations have not stopped. The team says it is continuing to strengthen partnerships, develop programming and build a sustainable future for what has long been regarded as Zimbabwe’s flagship international arts festival.
The organisers also thanked supporters from Zimbabwe and across the globe for the overwhelming messages of encouragement received since announcing the festival’s return.
“Your belief in HIFA reminds us that this Festival belongs to a remarkable community of people who continue to care deeply about its future.”
No new dates for the festival have yet been announced.
The postponement is likely to spark fresh debate within the arts community, with many now asking when Zimbabwe’s biggest cultural celebration will finally make its long-awaited return.
Artists, festival regulars and creative industry stakeholders had viewed HIFA’s comeback as a major boost for the country’s cultural calendar, tourism sector and creative economy.
