ZIMBABWE-CARNIVAL Harare International Carnival brings thousands to the streets in celebration

Record ID: 135014

  • Title: ZIMBABWE-CARNIVAL Harare International Carnival brings thousands to the streets in celebration
  • Date: 12th October 2015
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF KARIKOGA KASEKE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO), ZIMBABWE TOURISM AUTHORITY WATCHING PERFORMANCES
  • Embargoed: 27th October 2015 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Zimbabwe
  • Country: Zimbabwe
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVADO89DYIXIEV2LNYOZ0CEQ48M7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Thousands came out on the streets of Zimbabwe's capital on Saturday, (October 10) for the biggest party of the year - the annual Harare International Carnival.
    The week-long festival culminated in performances by local and international artists. Sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, the carnival aims to showcase Zimbabwe's diversity and promote unity in the Southern African country.
    But despite the jovial atmosphere some festival goers were critical of the spectacle saying the money would have been better spent elsewhere.
    Zimbabwe has been struggling for five years to recover from a catastrophic recession that was marked by billion percent hyperinflation and widespread food shortages. A recent drought has left more than 1.5 million people in need of food aid.
    "But considering the economic situation in our country, I think it's a waste of the taxpayers money, considering there is drought definitely. People are starving in the lowveld area people are starving," said Margaret Makura who attended the street parade.
    Still, according to Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the tough economic times are in fact one of the reasons the carnival is important.
    "A carnival is meant to induce happiness in people. When the economy is down you must find something that will make people happy this is the most appropriate time to have a carnival," he said.
    A troupe of Brazilian performers were a popular draw this year, thrilling audiences with their Samba moves.
    "I liked the Brazilians and the way they were promoting their culture. It shows that they are proud of their culture," Linda Chigwata, a carnival spectator.
    "I am so excited about this year's carnival. There were a lot of cultures; music, dance and different traditional modes of dress from so many countries," Nyarayi Gondo, another carnival spectator added.
    The carnival also attracted performers from other African countries such as Malawi, Congo Democratic, Swaziland, Zambia and South Africa.
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