THE capital will host the Francophone Week 2025 starting at the weekend, a celebration of the French language and the diverse cultures of French-speaking countries.
The event, set for March 8 to 23, 2025, was organised by the Alliance Française de Harare in collaboration with embassies of eight countries — France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Romania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt.
The event is usually filled with vibrant cultural exchange programmes, intercultural dialogue and celebrations to mark linguistic diversity.
There will be film screening, live music, exhibitions, workshops and even a gastronomic journey through the cuisines of French-speaking countries, among a rich line-up of programmes.
There will be Swiss delicacies, Canadian flavours, Belgian specialties and even Congolese cuisine, with the Francophone world serving culinary dishes, where tickets will be priced at US$5 a plate.
“Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Francophone culture!” Alliance Française de Harare said on Facebook.
“We’re celebrating the Francophone Week 2025 from March 8 to 23, packed with film screening, a music concert, a delicious buffet, an exhibition, conversation time, and for schoolchildren (a singing competition, quiz, film screening), among many . . .
“Join us for a week of celebrating the French language, cultural exchange and fun! Stay tuned for more info and detailed programme.”
- Harare primes for Francophone Week 2025
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They added: “Create connections during ‘speak dating’ (11am-12:30pm) in French, treat children to a delightful cartoon Icarus and the Minotaur (11am-12:30pm), bring and share some food and drinks at Blablathé Repas Partagé (12:30pm-2pm)
“Enjoy a friendly game of pétanque (2pm-5pm), be among the first to explore the captivating Imaginary Trip II photography exhibition (at 4pm) and settle in for film screening The Animal Kingdom (5pm).”
Said Alliance Française de Harare director Fanny Gauthier: “La Francophonie is a melting pot of cultural and linguistic diversity and the Francophone Week is the ideal opportunity to celebrate this richness.”
The event not only celebrates the French language, but also highlights the cultural contributions of French-speaking countries across the globe.
The event will foreground the role of the French language in fostering mutual understanding and respect among different cultures.
From March 8 to 18, there will be film screening at the Alliance Française de Harare, with enthusiasts expected to enjoy a diverse selection of films from various Francophone countries.
The films will all have English subtitles.
On March 15, the venue will host the The Mixx Concert, a unique musical experience featuring Kananayé (Burkina Faso/France), MIB (marimba) and Bana Des As (rhumba).
Kananayé brings a fusion of West African traditions and modern sounds.
Kananayé, meaning “it’s not easy, but it will be alright”, is a Franco-Burkinabé musical project born from a vibrant festival in Burkina Faso.
Featuring Clotilde Rullaud (vocals, flute), Abdoulaye Traore (guitar), Achille Nacoulma (drums/percussion), Seydou Diabate (balafon/percussion), and Boubacar Djiga (kunde/percussion), this quintet blends jazz, traditional West African rhythms and contemporary sounds.
“This is a celebration of crossing borders and the power of collaboration. Get ready for a captivating live performance!”
