The French capital came alive with the sights and sounds of Kiswahili on Saturday as World Kiswahili Day celebrations opened with a colourful cultural parade that drew hundreds of Tanzanians, members of the diaspora and language enthusiasts from across the globe.
The event, which turned parts of Paris into a showcase of East African culture, attracted curious residents and tourists who joined the festivities and learned about the history, traditions and growing international influence of Kiswahili.
Leading the parade was the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, accompanied by Zanzibar's Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Dr Riziki Pembe Juma, and Tanzania's Ambassador to France, Saidi Othman Yakubu.
The procession marked the beginning of a series of events celebrating Kiswahili, the first African language to be accorded an international day by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The celebrations are expected to culminate at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
After the parade, guests gathered at the Tanzanian ambassador's official residence, where they sampled traditional Tanzanian cuisine, including the country's renowned nyama choma, while taking part in cultural exchanges that introduced international visitors to Kiswahili customs and heritage.
Addressing participants, Ambassador Yakubu said the celebrations reflected Kiswahili's growing global appeal and its ability to connect people from diverse backgrounds.
"The increasing number of people embracing Kiswahili demonstrates that the language has become a bridge between cultures and nations. Tanzania will continue promoting Kiswahili and its cultural heritage as instruments of diplomacy, tourism and international cooperation," he said.
Mr Makonda commended Tanzanians living in France and other organisers for ensuring a successful start to the celebrations, describing Kiswahili as one of Tanzania's greatest cultural assets.
"Kiswahili is a priceless national heritage. It embodies our identity, history and values, and we have a responsibility to preserve it while promoting it to the world," he said.
Dr Juma said the partnership between the governments of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar would remain central to efforts aimed at safeguarding and promoting the language.
"Our cooperation in preserving Kiswahili and its rich cultural heritage will continue because the language belongs not only to Tanzanians but increasingly to the global community," she said.
The celebrations will continue with Usiku wa Mswahili (Swahili Night) beneath the Eiffel Tower, featuring cultural performances, music and entertainment that showcase the richness and diversity of Kiswahili culture.
The climax of the celebrations will take place at UNESCO headquarters, where diplomats, scholars and cultural leaders are expected to discuss the expanding role of Kiswahili in education, diplomacy, trade and international cooperation.
Spoken by more than 200 million people across Africa and beyond, Kiswahili has become one of the world's fastest-growing languages. Tanzania has intensified efforts to position it as a key pillar of cultural diplomacy, using international platforms such as World Kiswahili Day to strengthen the country's global cultural footprint and deepen ties with the international community.
