adminEntertainment Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the fifth edition of the annual Matendera Festival to be held on October 29 in Buhera District are at an advanced stage, the organisers of the event have revealed.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe Eastern Region marketing officer, Lloyd Makonya, said they would tomorrow (Saturday) hold road and fun shows at Murambinda to publicise the event.
This year’s event will be held under the theme: “Empowering Buhera through cultural preservation and tourism.”
“They will be lots of activities on the day. Preparations are at an advanced stage. We have drummed up support through community leaders and the local business community. Stakeholders’ support has been overwhelming and we urge people to come in their numbers and enjoy.
“They will be activities like cultural dances such as Jaka which is a prominent dance in Buhera District as well as exhibition of cultural wares and carvings as well as cultural dishes to be served.
“People will also tour the national monuments. One of our main aims is to improve community participation in the management of the national monument and to stimulate economic empowerment through the use of cultural heritage products dotted around the district,” said Makonya.
The name Matendera, the emblem of the festival, is derived from the national monument in Buhera which is the largest type of monuments in Manicaland.
It is the brainchild of Buhera Rural District Council and National Museum and Monuments of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Region.
It seeks to promote indigenous cultural practices and preservation of local cultural heritage.
Last year, Matendera hosted the National World Tourism Day celebrations which were attended by hundreds of people from Buhera and beyond.
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