adminYoliswa Dube recently in Harare
THE Harare International Carnival, which came to a close on Saturday after a massive street party, was a mean feat of colourful outfits, beautiful people, exciting music and dance. In its third year running, the carnival attracted thousands of people and numerous artistes from across the country and abroad.
People were packed like sardines at Africa Unity Square in the capital, where the main festivities were held after the street parades. In an almost stampede fashion, they pushed and shoved to get a clearer view of the artistes as they approached the square.
The Brazilians and Congolese in their unique and colourful outfits were quite the spectacle. Man of the moment and Chinamira hit-maker, Jah Prayzah, arrived at Africa Unity Square to loud cheers that caused inevitable goosebumps.
This was synonymous with the entire carnival whose samba and rhumba nights caught the interest of thousands of people. But the carnival seems to have become one big party whose purpose very few clearly understood.
It could be argued that people attended because most shows were free of charge while others merely went with the tide and followed the crowds. Free of charge, revellers had the opportunity to watch seasoned performers such as Koffi Olomide, Alick Macheso and Momo King of Brazil, but it remains questionable whether or not the true spirit of the carnival was captured.
It could have merely coincided with people’s daily routines as opposed to them consciously planning to attend the festivities.
While those who understood the purpose of the carnival came dressed up for the street party, the majority were in jeans and T-shirts.
Because a carnival is a celebration of diversity and an expression of happiness and liberty, dressing up was not for the performers only but attendees to the street party needed to take a participatory stance as opposed to being mere spectators.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Walter Mzembi attended the street party dressed as the legendary hero Zorro.
Mzembi, on his Facebook page, explained his outfit: “I chose a Zorro Outfit for Carnival 2015, running under the theme “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. Carnivals are the ultimate expression of a people’s liberty, when they are most at ease, momentarily forgetting their recurrent issues and a costume expresses their innermost being – happiness. Because of the huge crowds of working class people, I was expecting a Zorro image for me was the most appropriate: Defender of the working class! Of course he was often pictured with a beautiful woman and a horse by his side. My wife fitted the bill.”
Very few took the same stance; to participate in the street party in true carnival fashion.
Perhaps more needs to be done to educate members of the public on what a carnival seeks to do beyond the partying.
It is a manner through which the country can sell itself as an attractive tourist destination while also promoting domestic tourism.
Instead of just being a booze marathon, with better planning and open lines of communication, the carnival is an excellent way to market the country as well as unite its people through music, dance and fashion.
The Harare International Carnival is a week-long annual festival that encompasses a series of events and festivities aimed at advancing the arts, culture and heritage of Zimbabwe as well as uniting the populace. It is all about celebrating diversity, getting communities together and getting to know one another in the love and harmony that builds the country into a peaceful and promising place for everyone. Zimbabwe as a country boasts of rich cultural traditional events which celebrate the wonders of the country in activity, jubilation and colour.
Online Reporter