The Queen’s Baton Relay landed in Mozambique on 23 November and was welcomed by Secretary of State for Sports, Gilberto Mendes, and a performance of the Xigubo dance.

Xigubo Dance performers celebrating the Queen's Baton Relay in Mozambique

The celebrations started in the country’s capital, Maputo, where Eneas Comiche, the Mayor of Maputo hosted a reception at the city hall. Locals performed Chopi Timbila, classed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Penalva Cezar, Secretary General of the Mozambique Olympic Committee explained that during a Chopi Timbila musicians use different sized drums to give a variety of sounds, while the main orchestra is made up of Timbilas, which are similar to xylophones, but made from a rare wood only found in Inhambane.

The next day, the Relay started in the District of Marracuene. Along the route, it stopped at a local market to take in the bustling atmosphere and medley of aromas.

The Baton then explored the Incomati River area, which also runs through South Africa and Eswatini, where the Baton will visit in December. The Relay route crossed the river and arrived at the Hobjana Community.

Locals celebrating the Queen's Baton Relay in Mozambique

In the afternoon, the Baton returned to Maputo and visited the Don Orione Centre for Children with Disabilities. The children had the opportunity to interact with the Baton and experience the excitement of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The next stop on the Relay was Parque dos Continuadores, where Batonbearers, athletes and members of the public came together to play sports. From practising judo and taekwondo, to taking part in all sorts of athletics activities, spirits were high as everyone embraced the spirit of the Commonwealth Games.

Locals playing Double Dutch at Parque does Continuadores, Mozambique

The Relay’s final day in Mozambique started with a visit to the Eduardo Mondlane University, the oldest and largest university in the nation. It earned its name in 1976 after Mozambique gained independence, to honour Mondlane, who was the President of the Mozambique Liberation Front.

Then the Baton was relayed to Catembe and took on the Maputo Catembe Bridge, the longest suspension bridge on the continent.

After returning to Maputo, the Baton Relay toured the towns of Mafalala and Xipamanine. A reception was held by the KaMaxakeni District Authorities, where there was a Tufo de Mafalala performance. The Tufo dance is performed by women wearing capulanas, ornate head wraps, and jewellery.