Month by month - Botswana and Namibia - page 39

INDEPENDENCE DAY
On 21 March, this Namibian national day is celebrated in grand style, with a parade and
sports events. Many can still recall the day that Namibia wrestled control of its own affairs
off South Africa in 1990.
DITSHWANELO HUMAN RIGHTS FILM
FESTIVAL
A series of screenings on various human-rights subjects are held at the AV Centre, Maru a
Pula School, during this festival ( www.ditshwanelo.org.bw ) , and guest speakers are in-
vited to talk about their experiences.
April
The end of the low season - parks have new growth, the rains are finishing and the
temperatures are becoming more pleasant but tourist numbers are still down.
WINDHOEK KARNIVAL (WIKA)
Established in 1953 by a small group of German immigrants, Windhoek's April Karnival
( www.windhoek-karneval.com ) is now one of the highlights of Namibia's cultural calen-
dar, culminating in the Royal Ball.
MAUN FESTIVAL
A two-day celebration with plenty of music, parades, poetry, theatre, craftwork, dance and
food; visual arts also feature. The festival, held in Maun, raises funds for local schools
while commemorating northwestern Botswana's rich cultural roots.
May