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HIFA returns after 8-year break
3 hrs ago |
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Zimbabwe's premier arts showcase, the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), is set to make a long-awaited return in 2026 after an eight-year hiatus.
Organisers announced that the festival will run from August 3 to 9 in Harare under the theme "Up," signalling a renewed push to revive one of Africa's most celebrated cultural events.
Beyond its comeback edition, HIFA unveiled an ambitious roadmap extending to 2028 as it seeks to reposition itself as a year-round creative platform rather than a once-off annual gathering. Dates for upcoming editions have already been confirmed, with HIFA 2027 scheduled for April 26 to May 2, and HIFA 2028 from May 1 to 7.
As part of its expanded programming, organisers introduced a monthly stand-up comedy series titled "Laughter, the Best Medicine." The series will debut in Harare from June 26 to 28 before moving to Bulawayo on July 4, aiming to create a consistent platform for local comedians.
In addition, HIFA announced a "Zimbabwe Independence" series of international tours featuring Zimbabwean artists, designed to build momentum toward the country's 50th anniversary of independence in 2030.
Other key events on the calendar include the International Heritage and Arts Symposium (IHAS), set for September 20, 2026, and a separate festival, "The Right Stuff," which will run from December 7 to 13, 2026.
Founded in 1999, HIFA became a cultural powerhouse at its peak, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and showcasing a diverse mix of local and international talent across music, theatre, dance and visual arts.
Its last edition was held in 2018, making the 2026 event a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's arts sector as it looks to recover and reconnect with audiences both at home and abroad.
Organisers announced that the festival will run from August 3 to 9 in Harare under the theme "Up," signalling a renewed push to revive one of Africa's most celebrated cultural events.
Beyond its comeback edition, HIFA unveiled an ambitious roadmap extending to 2028 as it seeks to reposition itself as a year-round creative platform rather than a once-off annual gathering. Dates for upcoming editions have already been confirmed, with HIFA 2027 scheduled for April 26 to May 2, and HIFA 2028 from May 1 to 7.
As part of its expanded programming, organisers introduced a monthly stand-up comedy series titled "Laughter, the Best Medicine." The series will debut in Harare from June 26 to 28 before moving to Bulawayo on July 4, aiming to create a consistent platform for local comedians.
Other key events on the calendar include the International Heritage and Arts Symposium (IHAS), set for September 20, 2026, and a separate festival, "The Right Stuff," which will run from December 7 to 13, 2026.
Founded in 1999, HIFA became a cultural powerhouse at its peak, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and showcasing a diverse mix of local and international talent across music, theatre, dance and visual arts.
Its last edition was held in 2018, making the 2026 event a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's arts sector as it looks to recover and reconnect with audiences both at home and abroad.
Source - zimlive
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