Dikhwaere battle headlines Cresta Bosele festival
Lucy Kgweetsi | Monday August 11, 2025 12:29
Scheduled for August 30, 2025, the festival will take place at the Cresta Bosele Hotel, beginning at 17:00hrs, continuing late into the evening. The theme for this year is “Ngwao Maruping, Go a Boelwa”, a reflection on the value of returning to one’s roots through cultural expression.
The newly introduced Battle of Dikhwaere will see choral groups competing for the 2025 trophy and cash prizes, with P3,000 to be awarded to the winner, P1,200 for second place, and P800 for third. The competition is expected to draw participants from community-based choirs that specialise in traditional Setswana music.
Ferdinand Sebinyane, General Manager of Cresta Bosele Hotel, described the competition as a significant addition to the festival’s cultural programme. “This year marks the beginning of what we hope will be a cherished tradition. The Cresta Bosele Cultural and Food Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable night of culture, connection, and celebration, whether you’re participating in the historic Battle of Dikhwaere, enjoying the vibrant performances, savouring traditional cuisine, or proudly showcasing your traditional attire,” he said.
Following the choral contest, attendees will be entertained by live performances from well-known local artists Culture Spears, Tumza, and Mahempe. The performers were selected through a public vote conducted on Cresta Bosele’s social media platforms. Local entertainer Mr Hippo will serve as MC for the evening.
The event will also include traditional cuisine, cultural games, and a competition for best dressed in traditional wear. Ticket prices are set at P250 for adults and P125 for children. A cooler box fee of P50 will apply. Attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs for their comfort.
Alongside the main programme, the festival has launched an education-focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. A Standard-7 essay competition has been introduced under the festival’s theme, calling for reflections on the importance of culture and tradition in Botswana. The winning student’s school will receive PSLE exam preparatory materials funded from a portion of the event’s proceeds.
Meanwhile, Lorato Tebogo, Head of Marketing and Communications at Cresta Marakanelo Limited, said the theme is central to the festival’s overall message. “The theme, this year, is central to everything we will be offering from the music and entertainment to the traditional food, activities and fashion. Through our ‘See Botswana Differently’ campaign, we are calling on people to experience the depth and beauty of our culture in an authentic and joyful setting,” she said.
Organisers say the Battle of Dikhwaere is expected to become a recurring highlight in future editions of the festival, as part of a broader effort to preserve and promote Botswana’s cultural heritage.