URITHIFEST 2025 – High-Level Program

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Day 1: ROOTED – Culture, Connection & Bonding

(8:00am – 5:00pm | Umoja Night: 7:00pm-11:00pm)

Theme: Connect through Culture, Play & Family

 

Registration & Breakfast Welcome
Guests enjoy light Tanzanian breakfast, music, and informal meet-and-greet.

 

Opening Ceremony: Karibu Nyumbani
National anthems, welcoming remarks, and a cultural performance set the tone for the festival.

 

Unity Games & Icebreakers
A fun mix of intergenerational games and activities to celebrate Tanzanian culture and values through language, food, maps, and team challenges.

 

Workshops, Sponsors, and Exhibitor Spotlights – Part I & II
Informative segments featuring sponsors, exhibitors, and mini-workshops on topics like real estate, financial literacy, women in business, and the future of work—interspersed with artistic performances.

 

Taste of Tanzania Lunch
A shared meal highlighting regional Tanzanian dishes, served in a communal family-style format with live entertainment.

 

DICOTA Highlights & Member Benefits
Brief presentations on DICOTA programs such as youth scholarships, SACCOs, and membership opportunities.

 

Diaspora Expo & Scavenger Hunt
Attendees visit exhibitor booths and engage in interactive challenges, collecting stamps or stickers as they go.

 

Closing Circle
Reflections and recognition for winners of the day’s activities.

 

Break before Gala Preparation
Time to refresh and prepare for the evening event.

 

UMOJA Night Gala (7:00pm – 11:00pm)

The signature evening event with community-led entertainment including trivia, spoken word, fashion, comedy, and performances by youth, elders, and regional groups.

 

Dinner: Shared Buffet
A festive meal with music and traditional dishes.

 

Guest of Honor Speech
A brief keynote address from a special guest highlighting the significance of diaspora unity.

Fashion Show, Comedy, Dance & Networking
A vibrant close to the festival featuring fashion, dance, and community bonding on the dance floor.

 

Day 2: UNITED – Trade, Dialogue & Legacy (9:00am – 8:00pm)

Theme: Empowerment Through Voice, Trade & Reflection

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Community Breakfast & Sector Circles
Participants gather in topic-based tables—by profession, age, or interest—to network and reflect.

 

Outdoor Rotating Group Activities
Group-based cultural and physical games including:

 

Diaspora Olympics (sack race, tug of war)

Bao & Board Games Circle (traditional and modern games)

 

Cultural Relay (heritage-based team challenges)

Family Tree Mosaic (collaborative mural building)

 

Lunch: Nyama Choma & Bites
A relaxed afternoon meal with grilled favorites and Tanzanian snacks.

 

Cultural Discussion Circle
Open conversation on cultural topics in a seated, inclusive dialogue format.

 

Free Time & Games
Additional informal games and bonding opportunities for all age groups.

 

Built-In Features Throughout

Kids Corner: Supervised zone with crafts, games, and storytelling for children under 12.

Heritage Wall: Display of family photos, heirlooms, and messages celebrating Tanzanian legacy.

Health Station: Health Screening performed by diaspora nurses and doctors

Diaspora Expo: Exhibitor booths showcasing services, businesses, and community initiatives.

Memory Makers: A booth for video recordings, photo ops, and legacy messages.