WATCH : Bulawayo Day comes alive with vibrant celebrations

THE City of Kings and Queens on Saturday erupted into a colourful display of festivities to mark the 130th anniversary of its declaration as a city on June 1, 1894.

The celebrations extended to the Bulawayo Arts Festival, culminating in a weekend of breathtaking entertainment.

The day’s activities began with a city-wide tour starting at the City Hall car park, winding through the streets, and pausing to pay homage at the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s statue.

Skyz Cyclers and the Zimbabwe Free Riders Motorcycle Club stunned the crowds with their daring displays of skills.

The arts community also made significant contributions, with Khaya Arts captivating onlookers with cultural dances, and poet Obert Dube reciting an ode to Bulawayo.

To further enliven the event, an ensemble of artistes sang renditions of classic hits, while social media personality Sipho Mercent Nyathi lent his charm as the MC, guiding those in attendance through the festivities.

Attendees adorned themselves in traditional attire, infusing the event with the rich tapestry of Zimbabwean culture and heritage.

Mayor David Coltart was thrilled to be part of the celebrations, and hailed the day’s importance in showcasing Bulawayo’s unique identity and heritage.

He called the day a social and cultural expression, integration and cohesion platform.

He applauded the strategic role of the Bulawayo Arts Festival in strengthening cultural tourism and value chains, asserting that Bulawayo remains Zimbabwe’s key cultural pillar.

“The 1st of June is a culturally significant day in the history of the city and its residents. Bulawayo Day gives us an opportunity for social and cultural expression, integration and cohesion through diversity of tribes, languages, values, customs and norms,” he said.

“Bulawayo Day and the Bulawayo Arts Festival are strategic platforms of immense cultural significance, showcasing Bulawayo’s rich heritage and creativity to the world. This not only enhances cultural tourism, but also strengthens associated value chains.

“Situated at the epicentre of the Matabeleland region, Bulawayo stands as a key cultural pillar in our nation. Our commemoration of Bulawayo Day is deeply rooted in our city’s storied history, heritage, and enduring legacy.”

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube’s representative, Ntandoyenkosi Thabane, echoed pride in the city’s cultural heritage, acknowledging Bulawayo’s pivotal role as a cultural pillar in Zimbabwe.

“These celebrations are also a commemoration of the World Bicycle Day which falls on the 3rd of June each year. As the Government of Zimbabwe, we acknowledge the significance of sports, arts and culture.

“This acknowledgment is underscored in the National Development Strategy 1, which forecasts a 40 percent increase in the consumption of arts and cultural products by 2025.”

The celebrations continued with a Gospel Explosion at the Large City Hall.

An inaugural Inxwala memorial performance lecture featuring Gog’Bekezela will take place at MacDonald Hall in Mzilikazi this morning. Simultaneously, a dance workshop will be held at Stanley Hall in Makokoba, while a High Schools Spelling Bee Competition will be held at the Small City Hall.

The buzz of celebration was a testament to the City of Kings and Queens’ resilience, creativity and vibrancy, embodying its rich history and promising future.