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Though 14 countries had confirmed participation, only one foreign team has arrived so far. But probably the biggest boob by the ZTA was the cancellation of the Samba Night, which they said could not take off after the Brazilians opted out of their trip to Zimbabwe citing Confederation Cup commitments. It has, however, since emerged that ZTA failed to raise the fee that the Brazilians had asked for.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority spokesperson Sugar Chagonda said several participants from other countries are expected today.
“The climax of the carnival will be street processions by various groups. The judges and the VIPs will be seated at Town House where different groups will perform for two minutes before the panel. The judges will choose the winner,” he said.
The groups will use Jason Moyo Avenue, Rotten Row and Samora Machel Avenue.
Though this is the first time Zimbabwe is staging a carnival, such festivals are common in many countries, where they have become a celebration of life and culture, while boosting business for the tourism and hospitality sector.
Carnivals typically involve a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up in all manner of costumes during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.
Carnival is traditionally held in areas with a large Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Ortho. It is a festive celebration, which usually occurs in the weeks preceding the onset of Lent, although many carnival celebrations around the world occur throughout the year.
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.
Although carnivals are a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe and the southern region, they are quite popular and a way of life in a number of countries in the Caribbean, Europe and South America.
Two famous carnivals in the world are Rio Carnival in Brazil, also known as “The Greatest Show on Earth’” and the Trinidad Carnival, commonly referred to as “The Greatest Party on Earth”. Both these 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.
A carnival celebration is a great way to showcase a country’s cultural heritage.
It is a festival of colours, which is transformed into costumes (Mas short for Masquerade), calypso, steel band music, dance and an array of different ethnic food and art; which attracts millions of people from around the globe.
Online Reporter