Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
EXCITEMENT is building over the return of the Victoria Falls Carnival, with organisers confirming that the popular New Year’s extravaganza will return after a three-year hiatus.
The carnival, last held in 2023, is scheduled to run from December 31, 2026, to January 2, 2027, with organisers targeting the peak festive period when Victoria Falls is expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors.
While the line-up of performing artistes is yet to be unveiled, preparations are already at an advanced stage for the revival of one of Zimbabwe’s most anticipated entertainment and tourism events.
One of the organisers, Brent Williams, confirmed the development, saying efforts were underway to restore the carnival to the resort city’s annual events calendar.
“We’re still putting in place modalities to bring the grand showcase back to the resort city. The carnival has always been a highlight on the national calendar, and we are working tirelessly to ensure its return is bigger and better than ever before,” said Williams.
He also appealed to corporates and prospective sponsors to support the event, saying partnerships would be crucial in delivering a world-class experience.
“We are calling upon corporates and prospective sponsors to come on board and partner us in making this vision a reality. With their support, we can once again give revellers and tourists an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Traditionally staged over the New Year holiday, the Victoria Falls Carnival earned a reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s premier entertainment events, blending live music, adventure activities and tourism against the backdrop of the iconic Victoria Falls.
The carnival attracted artistes from across Southern Africa and drew thousands of revellers to the resort city, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere while boosting business for the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Its return is expected to inject fresh momentum into Victoria Falls’ tourism industry, with hotels, lodges, restaurants, tour operators and other tourism-related businesses poised to benefit from increased visitor numbers during the festive season.
Beyond the main event, organisers have indicated that preparations will begin well ahead of December, with activations planned in several cities as part of efforts to extend the carnival experience beyond Victoria Falls. In a statement, organisers said the journey towards the carnival had already begun.
“The journey to the carnival begins now,” they said, adding that they would be taking the experience to different cities through a series of activations. Expect special activations, familiar faces and a taste of what’s waiting when we finally meet at the Falls,” they said.
