The Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival – 2013

This year, Livingstone, Zambia, will be transformed into a hub of vibrant cultural expression as it hosts the inaugural Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival. This momentous event is part of the wider celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dr. David Livingstone, a man whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the history of Africa and the world.

Scheduled for June 21-22, 2013, the festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of rhythm, music, arts, and drums, bringing together diverse cultural traditions from across Zambia and its neighboring countries. These nations, where Dr. Livingstone once lived, worked, and explored, will join in this grand event, showcasing their unique contributions to the rich tapestry of African culture.

The David Livingstone Bicentenary and Livingstone 2013 Initiative have envisioned this festival as a platform not only to honor Dr. Livingstone’s legacy but also to foster cultural exchange and unity among the nations he touched. This festival and its accompanying Street Carnival will offer a spectacular display of African music, dance, and art, embodying the spirit of collaboration and celebration that Dr. Livingstone championed throughout his life.

As Livingstone, Zambia, embraces this exciting opportunity, the festival aims to become an annual fixture on the international cultural calendar, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant cultures of Africa. By doing so, the festival will ensure that Dr. Livingstone’s legacy continues to inspire future generations, promoting the values of exploration, education, and the ongoing fight against slavery—causes that remain as relevant today as they were 200 years ago.

Join us in Livingstone this June to celebrate this historic event and be part of a legacy that bridges the past and future, uniting cultures through the universal language of the arts.

The Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival is set to be a remarkable celebration, not just for its cultural diversity but also for its perfect timing. This year’s festival, marking the 200th anniversary of Dr. David Livingstone’s birth, aligns with the launch of new direct flights from Nairobi to Livingstone by Kenya Airways, a key sponsor of the event.

The arrival of these direct flights is more than just a convenient travel option—it symbolizes a new connection between the regions, bringing together people, cultures, and traditions. To commemorate this occasion, Kenya Airways will be flying in a cultural group of Masai warriors, whose performances will add a unique and vibrant dimension to the festival.

These warriors, renowned for their distinctive traditional dances and songs, will be a highlight of the festival, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Masai people. Their participation underscores the festival’s goal of fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the diverse traditions that make up the African continent.

The festival itself, which will be held on June 21-22, 2013, promises to be an annual event that draws international attention, blending the local culture of Livingstone with that of neighboring countries. Through music, dance, art, and the participation of groups like the Masai warriors, the festival aims to create a lasting legacy that honors Dr. Livingstone’s contributions while promoting unity and understanding across cultures.

This year’s festival is more than just an event—it’s a convergence of history, culture, and modern connections, made possible by the new direct flights from Nairobi. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor flying in, the Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of African cultural heritage in one of the continent’s most historic cities.

The Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival continues to grow in excitement and scale as more nations confirm their participation in this landmark event. Among the latest confirmations are the Seychelles and Zimbabwe, both of which will bring their vibrant cultural heritage to Livingstone, Zambia, this June.

Zimbabwe’s participation promises to be particularly lively, with the nation set to bring not only a cultural dance group but also a live band. This combination of traditional dance and contemporary music will offer festival-goers a dynamic and immersive experience, showcasing the depth and diversity of Zimbabwean culture. The live band will add a rhythmic pulse to the festival, filling the air with the sounds of Africa and inviting all to dance and celebrate together.

The Seychelles, known for its rich Creole culture, will also contribute to the festival’s diverse lineup. Attendees can look forward to experiencing the unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences that characterize Seychellois culture, through performances that are sure to captivate and inspire.

The inclusion of these nations underscores the festival’s mission to bring together different cultures from across Africa, celebrating the continent’s shared heritage while honoring the legacy of Dr. David Livingstone. With each new confirmation, the Livingstone International Cultural Arts Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and unity, drawing participants and visitors from across the globe to the heart of Africa.