KIGALI - The 7th Edition of the Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD 2010) will be staged in the last week of July, according to officials.

This was announced Wednesday evening during an event to launch the preparation of the high level week-long festivals slated to run between July 24 and 31.

FESPAD, which brings together participants from various countries across the globe, aims at showcasing the culture of these countries through music and dance.

"Most people were wondering whether the festival would not be affected by the Presidential elections since it’s a week prior to Election Day, however, the elections for celebration, so it is good timing,” said Joseph Habineza, Minister of Culture and Sports.

FESPAD 2010 will, according to officials, be spectacularly organized and will for the first time in the history of the biannual festival, feature a beauty contest for Miss FESPAD 2010.

It will also feature an International Conference for developing wealth opportunities from the African Cultural Heritage.

The beauty contest that represents the reflection of the African beauty is the first of its kind and the contestants will come from the participating countries.

At least 31 African countries are expected to attend while invited countries outside the African continent include China, Japan, Vietnam, France and Spain.

Emmanuel Bugingo, the Managing Director FESPAD said that the performances will take place both in Kigali City and other provinces of the country.

"The event is a platform for encounters, exchange of experiences and development of African cultures in their diversity through traditional dances,” said Bugingo.

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