The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience was also a significant milestone in this year, with a colorful array of events taking place throughout the province during its 10th anniversary. The festival also looked back with the theme of Sunrise to Sunset as the way which it had taken over the last ten years and how it had been able to promote the arts, culture and unity. Thousands of residents came to celebrate colourful performances, strong music and cultural displays that focused on the rich and diverse heritage of Mpumalanga.

The feasts were launched on Friday, November 28, as the Carnival Xperiences took place in Mbombela with a lot of energy. The roads were filled with artists, dancers, cultural groups and community organisations that were paraded through the streets outside The Square Nelspruit to the Promenade Shopping Centre. The streets were filled with courageous costumes, customary outfits and rhythmic acts as spectators sang and documented the festival time. The carnival gave an ambiance of happiness and pride, and established the atmosphere of the rest of the weekend.

The theme later on that day changed to vocal excellence at the Choral Xperience that was held at Siphumelele Teachers Centre in Elukwatini. The choirs in other sections of the province performed inspirational songs that incorporated both gospel and traditional and modern music. The harmonies and emotional presentation were so powerful that audiences got inspired and moved.

The excitement was sustained on Saturday, November 29 at the Mbombela Stadium where the popular 013 SummerBlaze music show was held. The concert was attended by masses of people where they listened to a combination of established and new artists. It was also a good opportunity where young musicians could exhibit their talent as they entertained the music lovers all over the region.

On Sunday, November 30, at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, the Soul Session Xperience, the festivities of the weekend came to a peaceful and soulful conclusion. In the presence of nature, the attendees were treated to the smooth sounds of soul, jazz and Afro-inspired music in a loose outdoor atmosphere, which was a great experience to both the families and music lovers.

It lasted until the next week, when the Traditional Xperience and Marathon Xperience were held in the Nkangala District, on December 6. These activities brought culture and sport to the programme, which emphasized the heritage and the physical strength.

On Saturday, December 7 the 10-day festival came to an end with the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards at the Communion Church in Mbombela. The awards were used to recognise the gospel artists who have contributed greatly to the music industry.

Staged by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience continues to be an effective platform of talent appreciation, heritage and community building in the entire province.