Angola is a colorful, linguistically, and ethnically diverse country but has maintained unity despite their differences. The country has traits of Portuguese influence but most people have managed to preserve their culture and way of life over the years. Their unique languages, arts, food, and music are evidence.
Religion
Due to early Portuguese missionary activities, Angola is predominantly Christian with an estimated 93 % of the population being Christians. About 4.7% practice traditional religions, 0.6% practice Muslim, 0.6% being Agnostic and 0.2% are non-religious.
Before Portuguese colonization, Angolans from the different groups followed almost similar African tradition that worshiped their African deities. They believed in ancestral worship and believed in a creator or god known as Suku or Nzambi. In the current system, most of them are Christians and some, however, mix Christianity and African traditions.
Food and cuisine
Angolan food consists of ingredients such as rice, fish, funge, beans, pork, chicken, tomatoes, onions, and okra to name but a few. These ingredients are used to create the most unique and tasty Angolan food. Some of the dishes include:
Funge-this is a porridge made from cassava flour and is a common dish and has formed an important part of Angolan dishes.
Fish calulu (calulu de peixe)-this is a dish cooked with dried or fresh fish mixed with okra, tomato, sweet potato leaves, palm oil. The dish is served with Funge and beans in palm oil.
Maombe chicken (Muamba de Galinha)-this is a dish made with slow-cooked chicken with okra and squash. Moamba sauce is a very tasty sauce and is served with Funge.
Mufete of fish-this This is one of the best Angolan dishes. It is a dish made from a combination of grilled fish, beans with palm oil, sweet potatoes, cassava flour, and Mufete sauce.
Music
Music plays an integral part in African culture and way of life and Angolans are no exception and traditional music culture is well preserved. Angola’s popular music genres include the Semba, Rebita, Kuduro, Kizomba, Kabetulam, and Kazukuta.
Semba is a unique sound with a fusion of African styles and is played at different social gatherings including parties and funerals. Kuduro is a mixture or fusion of house beats, techno, and other traditional music like kilapanga and soca. Instruments used in making music include the drum, the mpungu which is a trumpet, and the hungu and mbulumbumba which are types of gourd instruments.
Angolan contemporary music has been infused with the African sound and has traces or influences of Brazilian, Cuban, and Caribbean sound to create one unique sound.
Art.
Angolans, just like most Africans are very skilled artists. They can create art and crafts from materials like wood, bronze or iron, and clay. The different ethnic groups each have their distinct style. They create sculptures, baskets, bead necklaces, jewelry, and other crafts.
Festivals
There are-several Angolan festivals, holidays, and celebrations. These revolve mostly around religion, art, and music. These include the:
Lubango festival-it is a 30-day festival held at the beginning of August and features music performances, racing, beauty pageant, sports tournament, and fashion parade. It is held in Huila Province. It is one of the best Angolan festivities you can attend to get a glimpse of the Angolan way of life.
Sumbe Festival-this is an international event held in Sumbe City. It is also known as the Festi-Sumbe. It features some of the best musical performances, bands, dancers, and poets from different spheres of the music industry.
They come together with a fusion of different and unique genres to create quite a colorful and electric day.
Angola carnival-is one of the most colorful events in Angola and the most celebrated in the country. It features a variety of colorful clothing, great music displays, and traditional and modern dances and a street parade.
Sport
Football is the most popular sport in Angola. The national soccer team is known as the Palancas Negras (Black Panthers). The soccer team qualified for the 2006 Fifa World Cup, the greatest soccer showcase in the world. Most players from Angola ply their trade in Portugal and France.
Other popular sports in Angola include basketball and handball where Angola has had quite a decent showing in major tournaments both regionally and internationally
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