Coimbra festival highlights Sao Tome and Principe culture
The Artes à Solta festival in Coimbra, Portugal, from November 13-15 will showcase Sao Tomean theatre, dance, and heritage.
The city of Coimbra, Portugal, will host the Artes à Solta festival from November 13 to 15, dedicating its second edition to the heritage and culture of Sao Tome and Principe. The event will feature traditional Sao Tomean theatre, known as tchiloli, and the popular dance bulawê. Organizers announced the festival's focus on the island nation after its first edition highlighted Cape Verde.
Diogo Coelho, executive director of Golden Skill, the company organizing the initiative, stated that the festival will include conferences on Sao Tome and Principe's historic plantations, called roças, and its biosphere reserve. Musician Hector Costa will present a conference on tchiloli, followed by a concert exploring the archipelago's sounds. The Sao Tome and Principe Embassy in Portugal is partnering with the festival.
Ambassador Esterline Gonçalves Género of Sao Tome and Principe in Portugal attended the press conference, viewing the festival as an opportunity to promote the country's culture and heritage. The festival program, which is free to enter, is still being finalized and will be announced on the event's social media channels.
Why it mattersSao Tomeans and their diaspora can learn about and engage with their cultural heritage being presented in Portugal.