Harare came alive with colour, rhythm and shared cultural expression as Zimbabwe and China ushered in the 2026 Chinese New Year through a vibrant two-day carnival at Sam Levy’s Village.
Officially opened on Saturday, February 7, the Sino-Zimbabwe Creative Chinese New Year commemorations attracted nearly 4,000 revellers, artists, entrepreneurs and dignitaries, highlighting growing cultural ties between the two nations. Celebrations continued on Sunday, maintaining an atmosphere that fused heritage with contemporary creativity.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described the carnival as a symbol of the two countries’ all-weather friendship grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
“The year 2026 has been designated by China and the African Union as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. With the Year of the Horse approaching, China remains committed to strengthening our partnership and deepening fraternal bonds between our nations. May the spirit of the Horse, symbolising energy, vigour, diligence and perseverance, guide us forward,” he said.
The event centred on the Year of the Horse, whose symbolism resonates in both Chinese and Zimbabwean traditions. The opening Lion Dance parade, marked by acrobatic precision and rhythmic energy, reflected themes of vitality and endurance long celebrated in Zimbabwean folklore and performance arts.
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Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, reflected on Zimbabwe and China’s historic solidarity, noting its roots in the liberation struggle.
“China supported us during the liberation struggle and remains a key development partner. This carnival is more than a celebration; it is a platform for ambition, empowerment and learning, particularly for women-led enterprises and SMEs,” she said.
She urged Zimbabweans to draw lessons from China’s work ethic, innovation culture and poverty reduction strategies in advancing Vision 2030.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Emily Jesaya, said the carnival aligned with her ministry’s cultural diplomacy goals, noting that culture remains a powerful driver of business, creativity and collaboration within the creative sector.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume praised organisers for delivering an event that celebrated diversity while promoting economic and cultural exchange.
Performances ranged from traditional Zimbabwean dance to modern Chinese-African fusion, featuring crowd favourites such as Delroy Shewe and concluding with an operatic finale centred on unity and prosperity. The carnival was organised by the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, Zimbabwe Chinese Business Association and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation, with support from the Chinese Embassy and corporate partners.
In Chinese tradition, the Year of the Horse represents vitality, freedom and forward momentum — values mirrored in Zimbabwe’s resilience narrative. The Horse is also associated with success achieved through courage and hard work.
Ambassador Zhou Ding presented guests with red envelopes (hongbao), symbolising blessings and prosperity, alongside horse-shaped moulds representing good fortune for the year ahead.