The inaugural Basotho Culture and Food Tasting Festival is a celebration of Basotho’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Why miss out on such a massive experience? This is a three- day event set to take place on August 30–September 1 at Boqate Leisure Park, Ha Fako.
The festival is a collaboration between Boqate Leisure Park and Sky Business Inc.
One of the highlights of the show will undoubtedly be the food tasting events. Basotho cuisine, with its unique flavours and traditional recipes, will be presented by renowned chefs and local culinary experts. This is an opportunity for visitors to savour the authentic tastes of Lesotho and to appreciate the cultural significance of each dish.
Festival director, Advocate Makhetha Motšoari, said the festival holds particular significance as it coincides with the Basotho Nation’s 200th anniversary. As such it serves as a unifying event, bringing together Basotho from all walks of life to celebrate their shared heritage and cultural identity.
“Food tasting is a crucial aspect of cultural exploration and preservation. This festival provides a unique opportunity for Basotho to rediscover and celebrate their rich culinary heritage. By showcasing traditional dishes and ingredients, we aim to educate and reconnect our people with their gastronomic roots, fostering a deeper appreciation for our national cuisine.
“Alongside the culinary experience, the festival will highlight various components of Basotho culture including tradition music, dance, crafts and storytelling. By intertwining food and culture, we create a holistic celebration of Basotho identity. This approach is essential in preserving our heritage and passing it on to future generations,” Motšoari noted.
Additionally, the festival holds particular significance for students and young people, offering them a chance to engage with their cultural roots in an interactive and exciting environment.
“By exposing the younger generation to traditional practices and flavors, we hope to inspire pride in their heritage and encourage its continuation,” he pointed out.
For the nation at large, the event serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from different regions and backgrounds to celebrate Lesotho’s shared culture.
It also promotes social cohesion and national pride, strengthening Basotho’s collective identity, especially as the country marks two centuries of nationhood.
“The Basotho Culture and Food Tasting Festival also presents a valuable opportunity to boost Lesotho’s tourism sector. By showcasing our unique cultural offerings and culinary traditions, we aim to attract both domestic and international visitors, contributing to our economy through increased tourism revenue.
“Community investment is a key component of the festival’s success. Local residents will benefit from providing services such as parking spaces and selling food ingredients to be used in the festival’s cooking demonstrations. This approach ensures that the economic benefits of the event are shared with the community.
“We invite all Basotho and visitors to join us in this celebration of our rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. As we commemorate 200 years of the Basotho nation, let us come together to savour the Lesotho and immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Basotho culture at Boqate Leisure Park,” Motšoari added.
For his part, Sky Business Inc. programme manager, Motlatsi Tsatsi, said their aim is to nurture and support tourism sector enterprises including Boqate Leisure Park.
“At Sky Inc. we resolved to stimulate growth and innovation within the tourism sector, and our collaboration with Boqate Leisure Park is a shining example of this commitment. This festival embodies our dream of promoting cultural heritage, supporting local economies, and creating sustainable tourism experience that benefit both the community and visitors alike.
“The Basotho Culture and Food Tasting Festival is designed to be a comprehensive celebration of the rich and diverse Basotho culture. Over these three days, attendees will be treated to an array of traditional music and dance performances, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the Basotho people. Artisanal craft, made by talented local artisans, will be on display, offering a glimpse in to the intricate craftsmanship that is a hallmark of Basotho heritage,” Tsatsi said.
Tickets will be available at M 80 for kids, and M250 for adults for three days, and M100 for in and out attendees. Stalls will also be available for arts and crafts individuals to showcase their products for M750 over the three days.
