Excitement is mounting for the long-awaited Windhoek Annual Cultural Festival slated for later this year.
Scheduled to be held between 22 and 25 May at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, organisers say this year’s event will witness a vibrant celebration of Namibia’s diverse cultural heritage, artistic expression and economic empowerment.
Since its inception in 2018 and inauguration in 2019, the festival has risen to become one of Namibia’s most popular cultural festivals.
Organiser Sylvester Shapwa and his team say they noticed a lack of representation of cultures at regular social events and aimed to bring a platform that embodies Namibia’s diversity.
“We want to build a successful community celebrating our differences,” says Shapwa.
“Our festival is not an event — it’s a movement towards oneness, and culture conservation.”
There will be several activities available at the festival, catering to visitors of all ages.
Shapwa says guests should prepare to see traditional dances, enjoy live music, view art shows, listen to storytelling sessions and have a dining experience that spotlights Namibian food.
“The festival will also provide a chance for local artisans, designers and entrepreneurs to sell their products, hence spreading economic empowerment,” says Shapwa.
Morgan Kashihakumwa of Morgan’s Kitchen, who took part in last year’s festival, spoke on the impact of the festival on locals.
“The festival has been a savior for us,” Kashihakumwa says. “It boosts sales, and we get exposure to new clients who keep coming back to us even after the festival.”
She adds that the food preparation time was a problem.
“Customers would arrive early, but some of our dishes, like goat heads and marathon chicken, take two to three hours to prepare. This time, we plan to prepare in advance to meet all [needs].”
Organisers says this year the festival is introducing a number of new elements to enhance the experience, including interactive workshops by local and international artists where visitors are able to experience different cultural art forms – from beadwork to contemporary painting.
Other workshops will feature a cultural exchange stage with collaborative performances between international and Namibian artists, as well as enhanced youth programming that includes youth-oriented dance performances, storytelling, and interactive games promoting cultural appreciation.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
