Bulawayo Celebrates 130 Years With Cultural Festivities
In a vibrant display of culture and heritage, the city of Bulawayo celebrated its 130th anniversary on Saturday, 1 June 2024, with a day filled with festivities and the commemoration of World Bicycle Day. The event, held at the City Hall car park, drew a diverse crowd that included government officials, members of parliament, artists, and locals.
Mayor David Coltart highlighted the historical significance of the day and the city’s unique identity.
He said, “The 1st of June is a culturally significant day in the history of the city and its residents. Today, Bulawayo marks 130 years since it was declared a town by King Lobengula.”
Cosmopolitan Hub
Bulawayo, once established by King Lobengula’s predecessor King Mzilikazi, has grown into a cosmopolitan hub, attracting people from all corners of the country and beyond. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and its cultural expression, which Mayor Coltart proudly acknowledged in his speech.
Mayor Coltart emphasised the importance of the newly declared Bulawayo Day and the Arts Festival Week, which follows from the 2nd to the 5th of June. He noted that these events were the result of lobbying by stakeholders in the creative industries, who wanted a platform to showcase and promote artistic talents while growing the industry.
“Bulawayo Day and the Bulawayo Arts Festival provide a chance for the celebration of Bulawayo’s rich history and unique identity,” the Mayor said.
Cultural Showcase
He added, “It is a celebration of our identity, who we are, where we are coming from, and where we are heading to.”
These cultural festivities serve as strategic platforms to showcase Bulawayo’s cultural heritage and creativity to the world, boosting cultural tourism and associated value chains. As the cultural pillar of the Matabeleland region, Bulawayo plays a vital role in preserving the country’s heritage and promoting national development strategies.
The Mayor highlighted the city’s leveraging of the arts and cultural sector as an industry and a driver of national development. This aligns with the national development strategy and international agendas such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The celebrations included various creative performances, such as music, poetry, and dance, which allowed individuals to express their cultural heritage and celebrate Bulawayo’s achievements economically, developmentally, and culturally.
Event Appreciation
Mayor Coltart extended his appreciation to the attendees and invited them to participate in the week-long festivities taking place across the city. He concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, saying, “Siyabonga,” which means “Thank you” in isiNdebele.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Councilor Edwin Ndlovu, expressed his excitement for the festivities, saying, “This is indeed a momentous occasion for the city and the nation at large. The 1st of June is a culturally significant day in the history of the city and its residents.”
As Bulawayo celebrates its 130th year as a town, the city continues to showcase its cultural richness, diversity, and creativity. This significant milestone serves as a reminder of Bulawayo’s historical roots and its continuous efforts to preserve its heritage and promote its distinct cultural identity.
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