MALAWI: Karonga And Chitipa To Unite Through Cultural Festival

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

People from Karonga and Chitipa districts are set to come together later this month for the highly anticipated Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 1, 2025, at Mbande Hills in Karonga District.

Festival Chairperson, Marumbo Mwasinga, said preparations are progressing well, with this year’s event expected to be bigger and more colourful. “We are introducing new cultural exhibitions, food stalls, and live performances to make the festival more engaging and memorable for visitors,” Mwasinga said.

He further emphasised that the festival aims to promote unity and strengthen cultural ties between the two neighbouring districts, which share deep historical and traditional connections.

Mwasinga also noted that the festival serves as a platform to showcase the region’s unique traditions, dances, and cuisines, while creating opportunities for tourism and local development.

For local residents, the event is not only a celebration of heritage but also a source of income. Innocent Banda, a motorbike taxi operator in Karonga, said the festival brings economic benefits to small traders. “During the festival, many visitors come here, and business really improves for us. It helps the community in many ways,” Banda explained.

This year’s edition is expected to attract thousands of people, including traditional leaders, government officials, and tourists, all eager to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of northern Malawi.