Bulawayo residents took to the streets on Monday to celebrate the city’s 132nd anniversary since it was declared a town, in a colourful carnival parade that wound through the heart of the city.
The procession, organised by Bulawayo City Council, passed several of the city’s most significant landmarks, including Inxwala site, the Hanging Tree and the statue of the late nationalist leader Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, drawing crowds who lined the route to watch.
Participants included councillors, government officials, Ibutho traditional regiments, drum majorettes, artists and community groups from across the city.
Bulawayo was declared a town on 1 June 1894, and the anniversary has been formally observed each year since the city council designated it Bulawayo Day in 2019.
Highlanders Football Club, one of Bulawayo’s most recognisable institutions and an official partner of the Bulawayo Day celebrations, ran a separate roadshow through the city’s oldest townships before joining the main parade in the city centre.
The roadshow was part of the club’s centenary celebrations, tracing stops at Highlanders’ first offices in Makokoba, Ko Madamara in Mzilikazi, Barbourfields Stadium and Mzilikazi High School.
Club executives, management, staff and supporters participated, attracting crowds at each stop along the route.
The day’s proceedings concluded at the Large City Hall, where dignitaries delivered speeches and arts groups performed music, dance and poetry.
The Bulawayo Arts Festival follows from Tuesday, running until 6 June under the theme Building Bridges, Preserving Connections.
Bulawayo, known as the City of Kings, is home to approximately 665 000 people and serves as the economic and cultural hub of southwestern Zimbabwe.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today
Leave a Reply