Hardap festival to showcase region’s cultural heritage

Vice President Lucia Witbooi will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the second Hardap Regional Arts and Cultural Festival in Mariental from 2 to 3 October.

The festival, organised by the Hardap education directorate, will be held at Persianer Stadium.

It is a free cultural event aimed at promoting, preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage, artistic expressions and traditions.

“The event will bring together learners, cultural groups, traditional practitioners, community members, artists, exhibitors and other stakeholders to celebrate the richness of Namibia’s cultural diversity,” said Gerhard Kasama, the Hardap Regional Culture Officer and organiser of the festival.

“The festival provides an opportunity for the public to experience and appreciate the cultural diversity of the Hardap region while creating a platform for communities to share their traditions and cultural knowledge.”

The programme will begin with a cultural parade through Mariental, involving learners, cultural groups and community members.

The official opening at Persianer Stadium will feature traditional and contemporary cultural performances, as well as traditional food stalls showcasing different Namibian cuisines.

There will also be cultural exhibitions and displays of traditional arts, crafts and cultural products, with participation from groups representing different communities.

Kasama said the inaugural festival in 2025 had served as a test run.

“The turnout was low, and we did not have many activities on offer. It, however, highlighted the need for such a platform in Mariental, and interest in this year’s event is very positive,” he said.

“We are providing stalls at no cost to entrepreneurs and encourage the community to come in large numbers to support this initiative and the local economy.”

The second day of the festival, on 3 October, will focus on the younger generation, with a cultural performance competition involving school learners from different cultural backgrounds.

“Learners will showcase their cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, attire, songs and other forms of cultural expression,” Kasama said.

“The competition is intended to encourage young people to take pride in their heritage, promote the transfer of cultural knowledge and strengthen social cohesion through cultural exchange.”

The festival will conclude with a live music event, featuring Adora, widely known as the 'Queen of the South', as the main act. The event will provide an opportunity for the public to socialise and enjoy live entertainment following two days of cultural activities.