The Minister of Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hon. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, has said that the Third National Culture Festival in Songea will offer many opportunities to the people of Ruvuma Region and nearby areas.
The opportunities will include business, local products, food, accommodation, and transport. There will also be training sessions, seminars, and discussions on topics related to culture, arts, and sports.
Speaking during a press conference in Songea Municipality on September 16, Minister Ndumbaro introduced the festival.
It will take place from September 20 to 23, 2024, at Majimaji Stadium in Songea.
"This festival will bring together people from different regions, creating many opportunities in areas like business, food, and tourism," he stated.
The Minister explained that the festival will feature traditional dances and foods from all regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
"We will have dance performances and traditional foods on September 21 and 22, and there will be competitions. The best dancers and chefs will receive awards," he said.
He also mentioned a special event to showcase the cultural use of the "Kanga," a traditional garment.
"We will demonstrate how the Kanga is used in our culture for different purposes, like carrying babies, wearing on the head, and even sending messages," he added.
Minister Ndumbaro announced that there will be a morning jogging event on September 21.
"Jogging clubs from all regions are invited to participate, and there will be a meeting to discuss the development of these clubs," he said.
He emphasized that the main event will be on September 23, 2024, at Majimaji Stadium, where the President of Tanzania, Hon.
Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to be the guest of honor. "We are excited to have the President join us for the final day of the festival," he said.
Minister Ndumbaro also stressed the economic benefits the festival will bring to the region.
"This festival will not only provide entertainment and education but also create economic opportunities. Businesses in Songea will grow, and the region will attract more investment. We are expecting over 5,000 participants," he said.
The festival will begin with a National Ethics Dialogue, followed by a seminar on the census and development in the cultural, arts, and sports sectors.
"We will also have training sessions for stakeholders and an evening of entertainment," he concluded.