Bulawayo to host national Culture Month celebrations

PREPARATIONS are underway for the 2026 Culture Month national celebrations, with Bulawayo Metropolitan Province set to host this year’s flagship event.

Commemorated annually in May, Culture Month is a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, diverse traditions and the creative spirit that defines the nation. The programme brings together communities from across the country through a series of events that showcase cultural expression in its many forms.

The hosting of the main celebrations rotates among provinces, with Masvingo taking the honours last year. Manicaland and Matabeleland North hosted in 2024 and 2023 respectively, reflecting the inclusive nature of the initiative.

Over the years, the event has been staged in various provinces including Mashonaland East (2022), Midlands (2021), a virtual edition in 2020, Harare (2019 and 2018), Mashonaland Central (2017 and 2012), Matabeleland South (2016), Mashonaland West (2015), Bulawayo (2014), Murewa Culture Centre (2013) and Midlands (2011).

Beyond the main celebrations, Culture Month has evolved into a nationwide movement dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge systems and ancestral practices, while also promoting artistic innovation and cultural exchange. It continues to play a key role in uniting Zimbabweans across languages, religions and backgrounds, while empowering young creatives to actively shape the country’s cultural narrative. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire