For travelers seeking authenticity, there is no better way to experience the culture of a place than going to an event like Carnival in Angola. You will find that the revelers here celebrate with as much fervor as some of the more well known places like Río de Janeiro, New Orleans, or the island of Trinidad.
Carnival in Angola Is Quite Unique
As you would expect from any great celebration, Angolans brings their their own unique style that pays homage to both their local traditions, national pride and with a political twist.
With over 40% of Angola’s population being Roman Catholics, the importance of this time of year in the country cannot be overstated. This is a time of year that the Angolans look forward to and even the President will attend the main parade in Luanda.
Annually, Carnival begins on the evening of the last Thursday of the Lenten season, with festivities going until the final day which is Shrove Tuesday. This also happens to be a national public holiday in Angola making attendance for the event widespread. This year, the festivities will begin on February 26th and carry on through the 1st of March.
Over the next four days where there will be parades, music and dance performances, lively competitions and incredibly colorful costumes mostly in black, red and yellow, the national colors of Angola. Of course, you’ll find food carts and beverage stalls with amazing samplings of the local fare.
For those of you looking for a very unique opportunity in a mostly undiscovered travel destination, you should move Angola to the top of your list. Going to Angola sooner than later will pay off in spades!
Angola is now getting much easier to access now that the government is making it easier to visit and the over-blown costs of travel that came with Angola’s oil boom are now tapering down. We think you’ll be surprised by how much Angola has to offer the adventurous traveler, but you should make yourself aware of Angola’s current situation.
The Biggest Celebration is in Luanda
Though Carnival is celebrated throughout Angola, by far, the largest and liveliest of these celebrations is in the capital city of Luanda. If you are looking for a wild time with incredible photography opportunities, here it is!
In Luanda, a theme is chosen each year and performing participants are divided into groups, each with a King and Queen. These groups will compete for prizes in the music and dance competitions with all hoping for the top cash prize. This year, even in the time of Covid, there will be more than 40 different groups! All of this takes place along Luanda’s Coast at Nova Marginal.
Getting Off Angola’s Beaten Path, Celebrate In Lubango Or Elsewhere
If getting off Angola’s beaten path may be more your speed, head elsewhere! While not as big as Luanda’s attendance based on population alone, the festivities in Lubango and other provincial capitals are just as colorful and widely attended by the people from surrounding areas which we think gives an even more authentic cultural experience.
Learn More About Traveling To Angola
Angola is a most interesting country that offers a wealth of beautiful landscapes and incredible adventures to be had. Visit our Destination Guide and learn more about Angola and find the pertinent information you’ll need concerning getting in and around the country.
Also, if you are anything like us, you’ll want to learn more the Angola’s history and how things are changing. Understanding the influence of the Portuguese, effects of civil war and slavery, these are all important aspects to learn about and will allow you to have more meaningful interactions with Angolans.
