Zimbabwe: The Farm to Market and Arts Festival has finally come to an end after observing a two-day successful event on May 18 and May 19, 2024.
The Food & Arts Festival was organized at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare. It was a part of Zimbabwe’s First Lady – Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Traditional Food and Curios Festival – United Nations Tourism Africa Gastronomy Conference.
Reportedly, the Gastronomy Tourism celebrated Zimbabwe’s Agriculture, art, crafts and cultural heritage. These are the clusters within the Tourism, Agriculture, Culture and Heritage that is showcased in the event.
Things to be looked forward to on Day-1 at the Farm to Market and Arts Festival were traditional attires, national fabric cloth and attires. Other than the traditional apparels there were delicious local cuisines, jumping castles and many more to look for.
At the selected venue, the entrance fee for adults charged was 70 Zig and from children 30 Zings were charged.
If not at the Farm to Market & Arts Fest, then where will you enjoy the live music, traditional foods art and craft, etc.
The festival featured the performances by the popular afro-artists such as Freeman, Feli Nandi, Andy Muridzo, Killer T, Selma Mutukudzi, Templeman and Fantan.
Inaugural of the Farm Market and Arts Festival 2024 was a brainchild of First Lady Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa and was a success as it drew thousands of people to Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival was a first-of-its kind initiative to celebrate Zimbabwe’s vibrant agriculture, art, crafts and cultural heritage.
Fresh products, artisanal crafts and mouth-watering cuisines were displayed at the fest, while musicians and dancers entertained the crowd.
Entrepreneur Tatenda Moyo said that the festival was a game-changer and it has been a fantastic platform for him to connect with other businesses and potential customers. He expressed that he has already received several orders for his homemade jams and preservatives.
Moreover, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister – Barbara Rwodzi appreciated the First Lady for playing a critical role in the restoration of Zimbabwean culture and towards development that has captured the imagination of the world.
She said that the value chain of the food industry is the brainchild of Dr. Mnangagwa which she established five years ago and advocated for the restoration of the cultural practices as part of their identity.
Minister Rwodzi highlight, “She won recognition from the United Nations that came with numerous accolades owing to her good works. In July, states will be gathered in Victoria Falls in recognition of the First Lady’s success in restoring the African identity.”
She further added that First Lady Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa has brought sustainability to the tourism industry and extended her gratitude for being present for the entire festival, mixing and mingling with the delegates.
