Date
Saturday
Feb
13

February 15

Angola Carnival Day

Join the rhythm and exuberance of the Angola Carnival Day with colourful parades, vibrant music, and joyous festivities! Let the celebrations begin!

Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Angola

Introduction

Get ready to immerse yourself in rhythm, colour, and joy on the Angola Carnival Day, observed on February 13! This iconic celebration has its roots in Angolan cultural traditions combined with Portuguese influences dating back to Angola's colonial period. With vibrant parades, the beat of drums, dancers in colourful costumes, and mouth-watering traditional cuisine, Angola Carnival Day is all about celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage in one of Africa’s liveliest festivals. So, mark your calendar, feel the beat of the music and the contagious festive atmosphere because the Angola Carnival Day is a truly unforgettable experience!

Angola Carnival Day Timeline

1600s
Start of Portuguese Colonization
Angola becomes a Portuguese colony, introducing European influences into local cultural celebrations.
1857
First Recorded Carnival
The first recorded mention of a carnival-like celebration in colonial Angola.
1975
Angolan Independence
Angola gains independence from Portugal. The carnival continues as a significant cultural event blending African and Portuguese elements.
2001
Launch of National Coverage
National television and radio stations begin broadcasting the Angola Carnival live, increasing its recognition and popularity.
2010
Carnival Becomes Official Holiday
The Angolan government officially declares the Angola Carnival Day as a public holiday.

How to Celebrate Angola Carnival Day

1

Dress up in vibrant costumes

Embrace the spirit of the Angola Carnival by dressing up in a bright, colourful costume. Gather your friends and family, put on traditional Angolan clothing, paint your faces, or design your own festive wear. Get into the spirit and celebrate in style!

2

Join a local parade

Keep an eye out for local parades celebrating the Angola Carnival. Join in the festivities, dance to Angola's traditional dance Kizomba or Semba, and let loose to the rhythmic sounds of the drums. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and joyous vibe.

3

Cook traditional Angolan dishes

Celebrate Angola Carnival Day at home by cooking delicious traditional Angolan dishes. Try your hand at preparing dishes like funge (a staple food made from cassava), calulu (dried fish with vegetables), or muamba de galinha (chicken stew).

4

Play traditional Angolan music

Dive into the celebratory spirit by playing traditional Angolan music. You can find various playlists online featuring genres like Kizomba, Semba, Kuduro and many more. Let the vibrant beats spark joy and fill your space with excitement.

5

Craft colourful decorations

Decorate your home to reflect the vibrant atmosphere of the Angola Carnival. Create colourful banners, streamers, and balloons. Use traditional Angolan colours, patterns, and symbols to get creative with your design.

Why We Love Angola Carnival Day

A

It's full of color and energy

Angola Carnival Day is a zealous celebration filled with vibrant colors and energetic music. The atmosphere is filled with joy as people dress in colourful costumes and participate in lively parades. This carnival is a genuine spectacle of Angolan cultural heritage.

B

It's a unique blend of culture and history

The Angola Carnival blends traditional Angolan culture with Portuguese influences. This provides a unique experience unlike any other. From the traditional dances like Kizomba and Semba, to the mouth-watering dishes, the Angola Carnival Day is an exceptional representation of the rich cultural history of Angola.

C

Plenty of opportunities to participate

Whether it's by dressing up in a costume, joining a parade, cooking up traditional Angolan dishes, playing local music or crafting colourful decorations; Angola Carnival Day offers multiple ways for people of all ages to actively participate and celebrate. It's a fun-filled way to immerse yourself in another culture even from your own home.