Angola’s Carnival Day is an annual celebration that typically falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in a three-day calendar of events. This year it is from to 6. The carnival, a top attraction to tourists, proudly takes a seat as one of the Southern African nation’s most anticipated events. There are glamorous costumes and vibrant colors. Participants are embraced by nature, dancing without a care in the world. They will find a refreshing dose of culture, and a glorious parade to go with it. The tradition amazingly dates back to when it was a Portuguese colony.
History of Angola Carnival Day
Angola Carnival Day takes its root from Carnival Tuesday. Carnival Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday is a moveable event that picks its date depending on Easter. Usually, it is on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, an official public holiday. It is observed in countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Haiti, Venezuela, and Uruguay amongst others.
Fat Tuesday (known as Mardi Gras in French) is so-called because it’s the day that affords the luxury to eat all kinds of foods forbidden during the Lent fast, which kicks off the next day, Ash Wednesday. While general modern-day usage associates the word ‘Carnival’ with fun and elaborate glamour, the word ‘Carnival’ traces its roots to the late Latin expression ‘carne levare,’ translated to mean ‘remove meat.’ Fat Tuesday’s origin links back to ancient Rome and a festival from 133 to 31 B.C. held in honor of deities Lupercalia and Saturnalia. It was adopted by Christians upon arrival in Rome.
Luanda, the capital of Angola, was at a time named the world’s most expensive city by Mercer’s Annual Cost of Living Index. It is not expensive for ex-pats, but for locals, the reality of the aftermath of the civil war (1975 to 2002) has been gripping poverty. This is true even with the country boasting of Africa’s second-largest oil reserves, rich agriculture, and diamonds, amongst other treasures. The streets of Luanda, Angola, come alive during the carnival with her people alongside thousands of spectators budding with contagious excitement. They put on a proud showcase of culture — incorporating art, music, dance, and parades, and crowned with lots of delicious fares to make the heart merry.
Angola Carnival Day timeline
The Carnival of Venice, dating back to at least 1268 is held in celebration of the military victory of the Venetian Republic over Aquileia (an ancient Roman city in Italy).
The ceremonies are more politically inclined and put on a mock display of colonial powers.
Between the 1920s and 1930s, carnival groups are assaulted by the police, leading to the carnival's banning.
On November 11, 1975, the Republic of Angola on this day is granted independence from Portugal.
Known as Victory Carnival, it commemorates the retreat of the South African.
Angola Carnival Day FAQs
What language do Angolans speak?
Although there are several languages, Portuguese is the official language, borrowing from its colonial master. Other languages including Kikongo, Otjivambo, Kimbundi, and Chokwe-Lunda, are also spoken.
What kind of festivals do they have in Angola?
Angolans love to party and celebrations revolve around art, music, and religion.
Which is the biggest national holiday in Angola?
With colors, drinks, a day off, and a Brazilian-style event, Carnaval lives up to its reputation as the biggest holiday in Angola.
Angola Carnival Day Activities
Take a trip
What's more exciting than visiting somewhere new, meeting new people, and seeing the world through another person's eyes? Make use of this fun opportunity and make memories for a lifetime.
Grab your costumes
Carnivals are big, loud, and vibrant with color. Forget demure, go wild with elaborate costumes, embrace the African experience and have the time of your life.
Document on social media
Like, seriously, what's an awesome timeout without some cool snaps to compliment? Smile big for the cameras and don't forget to bring social media along with the hashtag #AngolaCarnival
5 Awesome Facts About Angola That Will Blow Your Mind
Visiting Angola is way cheaper than imagined
According to Mercer's latest rankings in 2020, it is now at number 115 on its worldwide cost of living survey.
Angola's carnival day borrows from Brazil
The Brazilian-style carnival is highly anticipated and comes tops in the country's calendar.
Angola's carnival attracts thousands of spectators
Lots of tourists and spectators including the President and his cabinet members gather for the extravagant affair where groups are led by a carnival king or queen.
Angola hosts lots of tourists treasures
Africa's second-largest waterfall — Kalandula Falls known formerly as Duque de Bragança Falls, giant sable antelope, and more attractions are endemic to Angola.
Angola Carnival Day 2021
The 2021 edition of the carnival was held from 14 to 16 February in a virtual celebration with the parade featuring a few participants without an audience.
Why We Love Angola Carnival Day
It helps keep culture alive
Carnivals are fun ways to get people to love and cherish their rich traditional heritage. It can be passed from generation to generation.
It keeps us open to other cultures
Attending or studying carnivals in different parts of the world help broaden our knowledge of other worlds, keeping us open to different perspectives and belief systems. We love this!
It binds us
With an understanding of different people and cultures comes unity. Carnivals afford us this opportunity, thereby uniting the world.
Angola Carnival Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 1 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
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