2023 Francophone Food Festival Recap

The 2023 Francophone Food Festival was held April 29th, 2023 at Myers Park Baptist Church. It was a vibrant celebration of Congolese culture and cuisine. For this year’s festival we partnered with our friends at Myers Park Presbyterian Church to raise money for Dipa dia Nzambi, a girls' school in Kananga, DRC

The festival brought together the Congolese and Franophone communities and their supporters to enjoy delicious Congolese food, live music, fashion, art, and more. Catering by Cordons Bleus Catering Service served up a feast of traditional Congolese dishes. Guests were treated to live music by Zamar Moment, a talented group that kept the energy high throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the festival was the Congolese fashion show, which featured local Congolese designers showcasing their latest creations. The show was a wonderful celebration of Congolese fashion, with colorful prints and bold designs on display.

In addition to the fashion show, there was a braiding demonstration, where attendees got to see firsthand the skill and creativity of Congolese hair stylists.

The festival also included a range of vendors from the Charlotte Congolese community, including artists, clothing and jewelry designers, event planners, and hair stylists. Guests were able to browse and purchase items, while supporting local businesses and artisans.

The festival's guests of honor were Kalongi Mulumba, President of the Charlotte Congolese Community, and our own Dr. Ngoie Joel Nshisso. They spoke about life in the Congo and the importance of supporting girls’ education.

The event was a tremendous success, with a total of $3,000 raised for the Dipa dia Nzambi school. The money raised will go a long way in improving the quality of teaching and learning at the school, providing much-needed French textbooks and teaching materials.

The 2023 Francophone Food Festival was a wonderful celebration of Congolese culture and cuisine, bringing together the community and their supporters in a joyful and meaningful way. The event was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of supporting education, particularly for girls. We look forward to next year's festival and continuing to celebrate the rich culture of our Francophone countries.