Zambian audiences enjoyed a vibrant celebration of European culture this month, with a rich blend of cinema, exhibitions, and community events forming part of the Festival of European Cultures, running from 30 April to 31 May. Organized under the banner of Europe Month, the festivities mark 50 years of partnership between the European Union and Zambia, highlighting shared values and cultural ties.

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A central highlight of Europe Month was an exhibition on “Thread of Change”, illustrating the 50 years of EU-Zambia collaboration that has strengthened governance, supported economic development, and brought positive impact to the lives of Zambian citizens. Parts of the exhibition were symbolically featured during the Europe Day, while the public launch finalized the Europe Month festivities on 31 May.
 

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Europe Month showcased European cinema, which draw enthusiastic responses across Lusaka. From the gripping French drama Timbuktu and the heartfelt Swedish biopic Becoming Astrid, to the Irish film Mrs. Robinson and Germany’s iconic Run Lola Run, Zambian viewers experienced a broad spectrum of European storytelling. The Czech film Women on the Run offered a light-heated yet poignant exploration of family and personal transformation, while Long Good Friday from Finland brought suspense and gritty realism. Each screening offered an opportunity for cultural exchange and appreciation, reinforcing the role of cinema as a bridge between peoples.

Beyond film, the Czech Embassy presented an engaging exhibition on Dr. Emil Holub, the legendary 19th-century Czech explorer who documented his travels through Southern Africa. His work remains a fascinating historical link between Central Europe and Zambia, capturing local cultures and landscapes with rare insight and detail. The Italian theatre production, Tainted Love, took audiences back to the 13th century, immersing them in timeless themes of passion and betrayal through dramatic performance.
 

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To mark the Europe Day, on 8th May, Ambassador Karolina Stasiak, with Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, Minister of Labour and Social Security as guest of honour, hosted the Europe Day reception which was an opportunity to celebrate and reflect together and emphasise the strong and reliable partnership that the EU and Team Europe have built with Zambia over the years.  In her remarks, EU Ambassador Karolina Stasiak affirmed the European Union as a reliable partner, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships in addressing today’s global challenges and highlighting Zambia as one of the EU’s key partners in Africa. 
 

The reception had a special feature, it marked the commissioning of an exhibition on “Thread of Change”, illustrating the collaboration that has strengthened governance, supported economic development, and brought positive impact to the lives of Zambian citizens for the last 50 years.  Parts of the exhibition were symbolically featured during the Europe Day, while the public launch on 31 May.

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On 9 May, an Op-ed by Ambassador Stasiak was published in the main print media. 
 

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Adding energy to the celebrations, the EU Walk and Run event on 17 May brought together over 1,000 participants in Lusaka for 5 km and 10 km races. The event, filled with community spirit and joy, was both a celebration of the EU-Zambia partnership and a call for wellness and unity. EU Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening ties and promoting people to people connection, while Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu praised the event for encouraging healthy lifestyles.
 

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The 50 years of EU Zambia partnership exhibition, another key component of the festival, showcased key milestones, shared achievements and real impact on people - the breadth of EU support in Zambia over the past five decades—from education and health to governance and climate resilience. With plans for the exhibition to rotate to other public spaces, the EU continues to promote inclusivity and public engagement through cultural storytelling.
 

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The festival offered more cultural offerings, including radio programmes and public lectures. This celebration not only entertained audiences but also deepened understanding and appreciation of Europe’s cultural diversity—while reaffirming the EU’s long-standing friendship with Zambia

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