Mpumalanga Carnival Xperience showcases culture
The city streets were closed as the participants in the carnival showcased their creativity.
The 2022 Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience events are once again showcasing the cultural diversity and talent in Mpumalanga.
On Friday December 2, the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR) hosted the much-celebrated Carnival Xperience at the Promenade Shopping Centre, on Saturday, the Choral Xperience at Elukwatini Community Hall, and the Soul Session Xperience at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden on Sunday.
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During the Carnival Xperience, the MEC for DCSR, Thandi Shongwe, said the aim is to promote social cohesion.
“We want each and every one of the cultural groups to learn from one another, in terms of language and clothes. This is why you see Zulus, Xhosas and Swatis. We bring them together so that we can promote unity and diversity. Mpumalanga is a diverse province. That is why you see all these people here. The community members who reside in this province that were not aware of our diversity, were all excited, taking pictures and capturing videos of this cultural carnival.”
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When asked how much was spent on the festival, Shongwe said, “This year, our budget went down from R10m to R5.3m. We scaled down some of the pillars. We have two big pillars, which is this one and the gospel awards on Sunday.”
She added that when they host such events, local restaurants and guest houses are fully booked.
The DCSR has planned eight stupendous shows. The following will be the International Xperience on Saturday at the Mbombela Civic Centre, then the Marathon Xperience, and the last event will be the Gospel Music Awards.
