Bulawayo to Host 2026 National Culture Month Launch: A Celebration of Zimbabwe’s Cultural Diversity

The Zimbabwean government has announced that Bulawayo will host the official launch of the 2026 National Culture Month, transforming the City of Kings and Queens into the cultural capital of the country for an entire month. The celebrations, scheduled for May 2026, will bring together Zimbabweans from all provinces to honour the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage and diversity.

Speaking during the 2025 Bulawayo Culture Month celebrations on Tuesday, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube confirmed that Bulawayo had been selected as the host city for next year’s national launch. The announcement comes shortly after this year’s launch, which was held in Masvingo and presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to inform you all that Bulawayo will be hosting the Cultural Month launch in May 2026. Next year, the entire nation will be in Bulawayo,” Ncube declared.

She went on to highlight the significance of the event, stating that the 2025 theme was a powerful call to action for Zimbabweans to recognise, respect, and celebrate the enduring contributions of indigenous communities.

“It is a reminder that our cultural heritage is a precious resource that must be preserved and cherished,” she added. “By amplifying indigenous voices, we not only honour our past, but also pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

Ncube emphasized that cultural diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division, and urged Zimbabweans to embrace differences in order to build a more united and prosperous nation.

The city of Bulawayo officially launched its Culture Month celebrations in conjunction with the Bulawayo Arts Festival, which featured a vibrant programme of performances, exhibitions, and community events at Lobengula Hall. The festivities showcased the city’s rich creative talent and cultural legacy.

National Culture Month is an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. It commemorates UNESCO’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and runs throughout the month of May. The programme promotes cultural expression across various art forms and fosters national pride in Zimbabwe’s cultural wealth.

With Bulawayo set to host the 2026 launch, anticipation is already building for a dynamic and inclusive cultural celebration that will bring Zimbabweans together in the spirit of unity, diversity, and heritage.