Food at the forefront of this year's cultural fair
Sep 14, 2018
According to the organisers, food is one of the most important elements that define culture, yet it has been denied its deserved prominence on cultural festivals
CULTURE
KAMPALA- For the third edition of the annual Uganda International Cultural Fair, food is given main emphasis. It will be the principal cultural element exhibited at the fair slated for September 21- 23. Therefore, lovers of the festival will have a chance to taste cuisines from different cultures around Uganda and beyond.
According to the organisers, food is one of the most important elements that define culture, yet it has been denied its deserved prominence on cultural festivals amid much attention to performing arts such as music and dance.
At the three-day event happening at the Uganda Museum, Kampala, all present cultures will prepare their signature dishes which will be sold to revelers in samples as low as sh1,000.
Like the previous editions, the event will be a one-stop center for various local and a few international cultures, showcasing different cultural forms, such as music, dance, drama, comedy, visual arts, foods and beverages, local brew, fashion, poetry and storytelling.
Besides the local cultures, International cultures expected to showcase are those of the different communities living in Uganda, including the Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Kenyan, Rwandan, Ethiopian, and Mexican.
Running under the theme, "Our diversity cultures; empowering each other," the fair will also have conferences which are expected to attract dignitaries, such as parliamentarians, business people and enterprise leaders, from around the region. There will be dialogue on conservation of cultures and wildlife.
Again like previous editions, the young generation will be given special focus through the school cultural quiz competitions. Schools, both primary and secondary have been invited to offer an opportunity to the young generation to learn about different cultures both local and international.
The quiz will examine the students' knowledge and understanding of their cultures and the cultural diversity agenda, with outstanding participants walking away with prizes.
The previous events have had entertaining music galores, with lots of performances from cultural groups across the country.
The event is organised by different partners such as; Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and Perfect Events.
In 2016, while launching the festival, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities noted that the event was inspired by key roles culture plays in the development of nations that it could not be ignored. "Culture is a strong part of people's lives. It influences our values, hopes and world view," he said.