Culture and history

Angolan identity developed at the junction of the heritage of the Bantu peoples (ovimbundu, kimbundu, bakongo, etc.) and Portuguese colonial influence.

The pre-colonial era was set by the kingdoms of Kongo and Ndongo (the legendary Queen Nzinga); today the memory of them is preserved by the Mbanza-Congo World Heritage Site.

Portuguese has become the official and connecting language, Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo live nearby; Christianity intertwined with traditional beliefs.

After independence in 1975, the country was shocked by a long civil war, and in 2002 a period of recovery, urbanization and cultural upsurge began.

Music is a calling card: semba and kizomba set a soft dance rhythm, and kudura brought an energetic street scene to Luanda.

In everyday life - a kitchen with a pound, moamba de galinha, mufete; in the calendar - Carnival of Luanda, festivals of cinema, fashion and contemporary art.

Masks and carvings are combined with graffiti and club culture, and the contrast of the coast and inland plateaus is reflected in costumes, ornamentation and dancing - from traditional communal celebrations to urban shows.