Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
The much-anticipated return of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) has been postponed, with organisers announcing that the festival will no longer take place as planned in August 2026.
In a statement addressed to its supporters, Hifa said the decision followed careful consideration and was made to ensure the festival returns with the quality, scale and artistic excellence that have defined it over nearly three decades.
The organisers said the overwhelming support received since announcing the festival’s revival following an eight-year hiatus had reaffirmed the special place Hifa continues to hold in the hearts of audiences, artistes, volunteers, partners and supporters both in Zimbabwe and abroad.
“Over the past few months, we have been deeply moved by the response to the announcement of Hifa’s return. The many messages, memories, photographs and words of encouragement shared by audiences, artists and friends across Zimbabwe and around the world have been a powerful reminder of the affection so many people continue to hold for this festival,” read part of the statement.
The organisers described reviving Hifa as a major undertaking, saying preparations had shown that more time was needed to deliver a festival worthy of its legacy.
“Reviving a festival with Hifa’s history, ambition and scale is a significant undertaking. 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.”
While acknowledging that the postponement would disappoint many supporters, Hifa said preserving the festival’s standards was more important than rushing its return.
“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 organisers stressed that work on the festival has not stopped, with teams continuing to strengthen partnerships, develop programming ideas and build a sustainable foundation for the event’s future.
“Every day, people are working to shape the next chapter of Hifa – strengthening partnerships, developing ideas and laying the foundations for a festival that can flourish long into the future,” the statement said.
Hifa also expressed gratitude to the many people who have continued to show faith in the festival during its absence.
“To everyone who has reached out with messages of encouragement, thank you. Your belief in Hifa reminds us that this festival belongs to a remarkable community of people who continue to care deeply about its future.”
Although no new dates have been announced, organisers said they would continue updating stakeholders on preparations and remain committed to bringing back one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated arts festivals when the time is right. The festival will likely make its return next year on previously announced dates, April 26 to May 2, 2027.
