Rio de Janeiro: Five Brazilian samba schools have paid tribute to Angola during Carnival 2025, in recognition of the country's cultural heritage and the 50th anniversary of national independence, which will be celebrated on November 11, ANGOP learned Wednesday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the schools that paid tribute are "Pega no Samba de Vit³ria Esprito Santo," "Imperatriz do Forte," "Mangueira," "Alcione," and "Acad©micos do Salgueiro," which held shows and other cultural activities to celebrate Angola's cultural heritage. The Pega no Samba school from Vit³ria, Esprito Santo, paid homage to Angola with the theme "Angola: Land of Kings and Queens" to celebrate Angola's rich history and culture, from the ancient kingdoms to the present day. The tribute aims to highlight Angola's resistance and cultural richness, showcasing historical struggles, musical and religious traditions, as well as the country's natural beauty.
The Imperatriz do Forte school celebrated Angola with the theme "Only those who know where Luanda is will know how to appreciate it," emphasizing the representation of the kingdom of Queen Njinga Mbande and her warriors. This was part of their effort to honor Angolan ancestry and culture.
In Rio de Janeiro, the Mangueira School highlighted Angola with the theme "€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬ Flor da Terra, no Rio da Negritude entre Dores e Paixµes" (In the Flower of the Earth, in the River of Darkness between Sorrows and Passions). This theme emphasized the rich contribution of the Bantu peoples, originally from the region of Angola, to the cultural, social, and religious formation of this Brazilian state.
In So Paulo, the Tom Maior School honored Angola with the story "Angola Opens to the World in the Name of Peace," reviving the 2009 theme to celebrate freedom and Angolan culture. Additionally, during the Bahia Carnival, several groups, such as Bloco Afro Olodum and Ivete Sangalo's Trio El©ctrico, also paid tribute to Angola.
Brazil was the first country to recognize Angola's independence, proclaimed on November 11, further strengthening the cultural bonds celebrated during this year's Carnival.