A festival celebrating the cultural diversity of the African continent and putting African artists at the forefront of the international art stage
The Festival of Cultures, which took place at the National Museum of Military History in the Fortress of São Miguel, was a space for exchange between artistic and cultural expressions, contributing to the promotion of African values of peace and non-violence. Over five days, various artistic and cultural activities were presented: traditional and contemporary dances, music, cinema, theatre, poetry, literature, visual arts, crafts, gastronomy, creative and environmental awareness workshops, with different interactive knowledge platforms such as creative workshops, shows and exhibitions on different types of dance (samba, capoeira, traditional ballet and percussion).
Sixteen countries from all over the world participated in the Festival of Cultures: Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Cape Verde, South Africa, South Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Italy, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Portugal and Rwanda. This event brought together more than two hundred artists and musical and cultural groups. Fourteen stands and dedicated spaces were at the disposal of the countries to showcase their cultural diversity, their cuisine and to organize various shows and cultural events.
A film screening cycle took place in the Museum's auditorium, with national and international works. Particular importance was attached to the presentation of the film La miséricorde de la jungle The Miracle of the Jungle by Joël Karekezi (winner of the FESPACO 2018) by Mr Ardiouma Soma, General Delegate of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) and by its director, Mr Joël Karekezi (with the support of Africalia). With the support of the Global Arts Corps, UNESCO was also able to screen the film Landmines by Mr Michael Lessac during the Biennale.
A total of 156 artistic performances were given, 58 by participating countries and 98 by Angolan artists. The Festival of Cultures brought together about 15,000 participants.
A major closing concert was held on 22 September on the Marginal of Luanda, with the participation of national musicians and other African countries before an audience of about 7,000 spectators.