Culture and Sports Minister Dr. Damas Ndumbaro and Other leaders entertain with misomisondo style at the National Cultural Festival Opening in Ruvuma
By Charles Mkoka
The grand finale of this year’s cultural festival will be held on September 23, 2024, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan gracing the occasion as the chief guest. The event will take place at the designated grounds, with gates opening at 6 a.m., allowing all to attend and celebrate the rich heritage of Tanzanian traditions.
During the festival, there will be various cultural performances, including traditional dance competitions featuring groups from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Additionally, the event will showcase cultural exhibitions and traditional foods, giving attendees a taste of authentic Tanzanian culture.
As part of the festivities, there will also be a special fashion show today (Sept. 22) dedicated to showcasing the iconic kanga, a significant symbol of Tanzanian culture. “The kanga is deeply rooted in our traditions. It’s present in every stage of life, from birth, where newborns are wrapped in kanga, to times of mourning, worship, and even in the fields. Men wear it too, and its designs often send powerful messages, like a man’s kanga warning others to stay away from his wife. The Regional Commissioner of Songwe, Daniel Chongolo, will be the guest of honor at today’s event,” the organizers stated.
Following the conclusion of the festival, President Samia is expected to embark on a working tour of the Ruvuma Region, encouraging citizens to participate in large numbers during her visit, which will include inspecting various development projects.
During the same event, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, urged Tanzanians to actively participate in the upcoming local government elections, emphasizing that grassroots governance is the foundation of national development.
“All Tanzanians should ensure they register and update their information on the voter registry. Voting is a fundamental constitutional right. Additionally, we encourage citizens to run for various positions to ensure we elect leaders committed to advancing our country at the local government level,” Ndumbaro said.
Colonel Ahmed Abbas Ahmed, the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, reaffirmed the region's commitment to preserving and promoting culture, art, and sports, noting that Ruvuma continues to lead in maintaining cultural values. He also extended an invitation to visitors to explore the numerous tourist attractions the region has to offer.
Earlier, Tanzania's Chiefs Secretary, Nyamilonda Mikomangwa, praised President Samia for her efforts in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Tanzanians. “All chiefs will be present at the festival to celebrate this beautiful event that honors our culture and the traditions of our people,” Mikomangwa said.