By Dickson Bandera
The streets of Mutare are set to burst into life this Saturday, September 6, as the Sanganai/Kumbanai Carnival and Street Party transforms the city into a vibrant hub of music, food, and cultural celebration.
The carnival procession will commence at Lenon Hotel and conclude at Meikles Park, offering a spectacular parade filled with music, dance, and cultural displays.
Organized by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the carnival serves as the official curtain-raiser to the Sanganai/Kumbanai Fair, scheduled for September 10–12.
With just days to go, excitement is building across the city as hotels reach capacity, vendors finalize their offerings, and artists perfect their performances. Tourism stakeholders are confident that the event will entertain while attracting both local residents and international visitors.
The carnival combines entertainment with business opportunities, providing entrepreneurs—from face painters and craft exhibitors to beverage vendors—a platform to showcase their products and connect directly with thousands of potential customers.
Among the participants is the Zimbabwe Youth and Cultural Identity Enhancement Trust (ZYCIET), a leading advocate for youth empowerment through arts and culture.
ZYCIET Director, Mr. Simbarashe Gwawawa, emphasized the importance of the event:
“This is an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how culture and identity can drive development. For us, it’s not just about performance—it’s about empowering communities through heritage and innovation.”
Adding glamour to the festivities, Miss Fabulous Zimbabwe Second Princess, Carren Sakupwanya, and Miss Tourism Africa Zimbabwe Queen, Tadiwanashe Mtetwa, will lead the Miss Fabulous team in the street parade. The Miss Fabulous Zimbabwe International, a child-focused initiative of ZYCIET, will also use the carnival to spotlight its upcoming 2025 edition.
Mr. Gwawawa noted that the carnival presents an ideal moment to generate excitement around the pageant, which has grown into a major platform for cultural expression and youth empowerment.
ZYCIET Manicaland Provincial Director, Mr. Emmanuel Musabaika, affirmed the team’s readiness:
“We are prepared to show the world what Zimbabwe’s beauty sector has to offer.”
Organizers are optimistic that the combination of live entertainment, children’s play centers, and cultural exhibitions will create a lively atmosphere while boosting Mutare’s tourism economy.
For ZYCIET, the carnival is more than just a showcase—it is a platform to advance its mission of reframing modeling, arts, and cultural performance as tools for empowerment rather than mere entertainment. Over the years, the trust has worked tirelessly to link youth participation in arts and culture with identity, self-confidence, and national pride.
