​
Festivals and Events in Zimbabwe

Cultural festival dancers in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s calendar is punctuated with vibrant festivals and events that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, artistic talent, and community spirit. From international arts festivals to traditional ceremonies and sporting events, there are many opportunities for visitors to experience Zimbabwean culture in its most expressive forms.

​
Major Cultural Festivals

​
Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA)

One of Africa’s largest international arts festivals:Overview:
  • Held annually in late April/early May in Harare
  • Six-day celebration of music, dance, theater, visual arts, and poetry
  • International and local artists across multiple venues
  • Vibrant atmosphere with food stalls and craft markets
  • Workshop programs and educational components
  • Thousands of attendees from across Africa and beyond
What to Expect:
  • Main stage concerts featuring diverse musical styles
  • Theater productions in multiple languages
  • Dance performances spanning traditional to contemporary
  • Visual art exhibitions throughout the city
  • Street performances and pop-up events
  • Collaborative cross-cultural artistic projects
Visitor Tips:
  • Book accommodation well in advance
  • Purchase festival passes early for discounts
  • Comfortable walking shoes essential
  • Plan schedule in advance as events occur simultaneously
  • Evening performances often run late
  • Allow time to explore associated craft markets
Cultural Significance:
  • Platform for artistic expression and social commentary
  • Showcase for Zimbabwe’s contemporary arts scene
  • Building international cultural bridges
  • Economic boost to local creative economy

​
Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF)

Celebration of arts and culture in Zimbabwe’s second city:Overview:
  • Typically held in June
  • Multi-disciplinary arts event in Bulawayo
  • Focus on promoting local Matabeleland culture
  • Combination of free and ticketed events
  • Growing in prominence annually
  • City-wide celebration across multiple venues
Program Highlights:
  • Traditional Ndebele performances
  • Contemporary music showcases
  • Theater and spoken word events
  • Film screenings
  • Visual art exhibitions
  • Youth arts programs
Visitor Experience:
  • More intimate than HIFA but growing rapidly
  • Strong emphasis on local cultural heritage
  • Opportunity to experience Bulawayo’s colonial architecture
  • Combined with visits to nearby Matobo Hills
  • Welcoming atmosphere for international visitors
  • Authentic Ndebele cultural experiences

​
Zimbabwe Culture Week

National celebration of cultural heritage:Overview:
  • Held annually in May
  • Nation-wide events across multiple locations
  • Coordinated by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe
  • Focus on preserving and promoting traditional culture
  • Free or low-cost events accessible to all
  • Different theme each year
Activities:
  • Traditional dance competitions
  • Craft exhibitions
  • Cuisine demonstrations
  • Indigenous games
  • Traditional music performances
  • Cultural heritage exhibitions
  • Storytelling sessions
Best Places to Experience:
  • Cultural villages throughout the country
  • National art galleries in Harare and Bulawayo
  • Community centers in rural areas
  • Schools and educational institutions
  • Provincial museums
Cultural Significance:
  • Reaffirms national cultural identity
  • Preserves traditional knowledge for younger generations
  • Promotes cultural diversity within Zimbabwe
  • Revitalizes endangered traditions and practices

​
Music Festivals

Zimfest Live

Celebration of Zimbabwean music and culture:
  • Originally started in the UK diaspora community
  • Now also held in Zimbabwe periodically
  • Contemporary Zimbabwean musicians
  • Afro-fusion, jazz, gospel, urban grooves
  • Food stalls with traditional cuisine
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Cultural activities beyond music
Dates vary - check official channels for latest schedule

Miombo Magic Festival

Zimbabwe’s premier outdoor music festival:
  • Typically held in August/September
  • World music focus with diverse lineup
  • Multiple stages in scenic outdoor setting
  • Camping available on festival grounds
  • Artisanal food and craft vendors
  • Environmental awareness component
  • Family-friendly activities
Location: Miombo Woodlands near Harare

Jibilika Dance Festival

Urban dance and hip-hop celebration:
  • Annual event typically in August
  • Focus on youth culture and expression
  • Dance competitions across multiple styles
  • Hip-hop performances and showcases
  • Workshops and masterclasses
  • Urban art exhibitions
  • Platform for emerging artists
Locations: Rotates between major cities

Victoria Falls Carnival

Year-end celebration at Victoria Falls:
  • Three-day festival (December 29-31)
  • International and regional music acts
  • Train party into the bushveld
  • Adventure activities combined with music
  • Multiple stages and party venues
  • Stunning Victoria Falls backdrop
  • Popular with regional and international tourists
Note: Advance booking essential as accommodation fills quickly

​
Traditional Ceremonies

Zimbabwe’s traditional ceremonies offer insight into cultural practices that have endured for generations. Many are linked to agricultural cycles, spiritual beliefs, and historical events. While some ceremonies are closed to visitors, others welcome respectful observation:Accessible Traditional Ceremonies:
CeremonyRegionTimingDescription
Bira CeremonyThroughout Shona areasVariesSpirit possession ceremony with mbira music, traditionally to communicate with ancestors. Small-scale events throughout the year.
Shangaan FestivalChiredzi areaSeptemberCelebration of Shangaan culture with traditional dance, music, and food.
Jerusarema/Mbende FestivalMurewaJuly/AugustUNESCO-recognized dance festival celebrating the traditional Jerusarema dance.
Domboshava Cultural FestivalDomboshavaMay/JuneCultural displays near Harare featuring multiple ethnic groups.
Chief’s Installation CeremoniesVariousAnnounced when occurringPublic celebration when new traditional leaders are installed.
Harvest CeremoniesThroughout ZimbabweMarch-MayVarious harvest thanksgiving celebrations in rural communities.
Ceremony Etiquette:
  • Always seek permission before attending a traditional ceremony
  • Dress modestly (knees and shoulders covered)
  • Ask before taking photographs, especially during spiritual moments
  • Contribute appropriately if collections are taken
  • Follow local customs regarding seating arrangements
  • Do not participate in rituals unless specifically invited
  • Consider hiring a cultural guide for context and appropriate introductions

​
Rain-Making Ceremonies (Mukwerera)

Ancient tradition still practiced in many rural communities:Overview:
  • Conducted before planting season (typically September-October)
  • Led by spirit mediums and traditional leaders
  • Petitioning ancestral spirits for sufficient rainfall
  • Varies by region and ethnic group
  • Some aspects may be closed to outside visitors
  • Several days of preparations and activities
Key Elements:
  • Brewing of traditional beer
  • Animal sacrifices in some communities
  • Ritual cleansing procedures
  • Sacred cave or mountain visits
  • Traditional music and dance
  • Community participation and feast
Where to Experience:
  • Matobo Hills (particularly authentic)
  • Rural communities in Mashvingo province
  • Nharira Hills in Chikomba District
  • Requests must be made through appropriate channels
  • Best arranged through cultural tour operators
  • Some ceremonies now partially adapted for educational viewing
Cultural Significance:
  • Connection between living community and ancestral spirits
  • Expression of traditional belief systems
  • Community cohesion and shared purpose
  • Maintaining harmony with natural environment
  • Cultural identity reinforcement

​
Sporting Events

Zambezi Whitewater Festival

Rafting competition on the mighty Zambezi:
  • Typically held in October/November
  • International rafting teams compete
  • Slalom races and freestyle competitions
  • Spectacular venue below Victoria Falls
  • Festive atmosphere in Victoria Falls town
  • Combined with other adventure activities
  • Open to spectators

Victoria Falls Marathon

Scenic international marathon:
  • Usually held in July
  • Route crosses Victoria Falls Bridge
  • Full marathon, half marathon, and fun run options
  • Participants from around the world
  • Stunning views of the falls and Zambezi
  • Festive atmosphere throughout race weekend
  • Combined with wildlife viewing opportunities

Harare International Regatta

Rowing competition at Mazowe Dam:
  • Usually held in February
  • International crews participate
  • Various rowing categories and distances
  • Picturesque venue outside Harare
  • Social events throughout the weekend
  • Food stalls and entertainment
  • Family-friendly atmosphere

​
International Events and Festivals

Zimbabwe hosts several internationally recognized events that draw global visitors:Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF):
  • Annual event showcasing African and international cinema
  • Film screenings, workshops, and masterclasses
  • Platform for emerging Zimbabwean filmmakers
  • Typically held in August/September
  • Multiple venues throughout Harare
  • Focus on socially relevant themes
  • Related industry events and networking opportunities
Zimbabwe International Book Fair:
  • One of Africa’s major literary events
  • Author readings and book launches
  • Literary prizes awarded
  • Industry workshops and exhibits
  • Typically held in July/August in Harare
  • Focus on African literature and publishing
  • Educational components for schools
Intwasa Arts Festival:
  • Multi-disciplinary arts festival in Bulawayo
  • Held annually in September
  • Theater, music, dance, poetry, and visual arts
  • Strong focus on Ndebele cultural heritage
  • Platform for discussing social issues through arts
  • Workshops and developmental programs
  • Growing international participant profile
Shoko Festival:
  • Zimbabwe’s biggest urban culture festival
  • Focus on hip-hop, spoken word, and urban arts
  • Political and social commentary through arts
  • Digital media components and technology showcases
  • Typically held in September in Harare
  • Youth-focused programming and workshops
  • Peace-building initiative through creative expression

​
Seasonal Events

​
Planning Your Visit Around Events

Strategies for incorporating Zimbabwe’s events into your travel plans:Research and Timing:
  • Check official event websites for exact dates and potential changes
  • Many events announce dates only a few months in advance
  • Major events like HIFA have consistent annual timing
  • Traditional ceremonies may follow lunar calendar or agricultural cues
  • Political events occasionally cause postponements
  • Always verify dates before finalizing travel plans
Accommodation Considerations:
  • Book well in advance for major festivals (3-6 months)
  • Expect premium pricing during popular events
  • Consider alternative accommodation in suburbs for city festivals
  • Package deals sometimes available through event sponsors
  • Look for homestay options during community festivals
Ticketing Information:
  • Advance tickets often available at discounted rates
  • Festival passes typically offer better value than single events
  • Some events accept international credit cards, others cash only
  • Cultural ceremonies may request contributions rather than fixed fees
  • VIP packages available for many commercial events
  • Student and senior discounts often available
Combination Itineraries:
  • Victoria Falls Carnival + wildlife safari in Hwange
  • HIFA in Harare + Eastern Highlands exploration
  • Bulawayo Arts Festival + Matobo Hills cultural sites
  • Agricultural show + rural community tourism
  • Traditional ceremony + Great Zimbabwe historical site
Responsible Attendance:
  • Research appropriate attire for cultural events
  • Understand photography policies before attending
  • Support local vendors at event markets
  • Respect spiritual components of traditional ceremonies
  • Consider carbon offset for event-specific travel

​
Event Calendar Highlights

Month-by-month guide to key events (dates approximate and should be verified):
MonthMajor Events
JanuaryNew Year celebrations, school holiday programs
FebruaryHarare International Regatta, Valentine’s themed events
MarchEarly harvest ceremonies, International Women’s Day events
AprilHIFA (late April), Independence Day celebrations (April 18), Easter events
MayHIFA (early May), Zimbabwe Culture Week, Workers’ Day events (May 1)
JuneBulawayo Arts Festival, winter music series begins
JulyZimbabwe International Book Fair, Victoria Falls Marathon, school arts competitions
AugustZimbabwe Agricultural Show, Zimbabwe International Film Festival
SeptemberIntwasa Arts Festival, Shoko Festival, spring cultural celebrations
OctoberZambezi Whitewater Festival, rain-making ceremonies, wildlife events
NovemberMusic festivals, agricultural season opening ceremonies
DecemberVictoria Falls Carnival, festive season events, community celebrations
Note: Always verify current dates before planning travel, as events may change annually.

​
Emerging and Community Events

Beyond the established festivals, Zimbabwe has a growing ecosystem of grassroots events worth discovering:Community-Based Tourism Events:
  • Village tourism day celebrations
  • Community craft market days
  • Local food festivals showcasing traditional cuisine
  • Small-scale cultural demonstrations
Emerging Arts Platforms:
  • Moto Republik creative hub events
  • First Friday gallery openings in Harare
  • Spoken word and poetry slam competitions
  • Independent film screenings
Environmental Celebrations:
  • Tree planting ceremonies
  • Conservation awareness days
  • Community clean-up initiatives
  • Wildlife Day celebrations
Youth-Led Initiatives:
  • Skateboarding competitions
  • Urban culture showcases
  • Technology and innovation exhibitions
  • Campus arts festivals
How to Discover These Events:
  • Check social media platforms (Facebook events, Instagram)
  • Connect with local tourism information centers
  • Ask at cultural centers and backpacker hostels
  • Follow creative hubs and arts organizations online
  • Local newspaper event listings
Festival Tip: When attending cultural ceremonies or traditional events, consider engaging a local cultural guide who can provide context, facilitate appropriate interactions, and ensure you understand the significance of different elements. This enhances your experience while ensuring respectful participation.