TRENDING FASHION IN ANGOLA
Angola is a country located on west coast of Southern Africa, whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, labyrinthrine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border Namibia. It is also bordered by Botswana, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. The country’s colonial history is as a reflection of its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and its landmark including Fortaleza se Sai Miguel, a fortress built by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend the capital, Luanda. Angola population is made up of over 32.87 million persons. Its official language is Portuguese, but 46 other languages are spoken in the country, these include; Chokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundu, Oshiwambo, Ngangela and Umbundu. There are three dominant ethnic groups in Angola; the Ovimbundu, the Mbundu and the Bakongo. There are also small numbers of mixed African and European descent and the ethnic white Europeans as well.
ACCESSORIES IN ANGOLA
TRIBES IN ANGOLA AND THEIR FASHION
Ovimbundu
They are the southern Mbundu and a Bantu ethnic group who live on the Bie Plateau of central Angola and in the coastal strip west of the highlands. They are the largest ethnic group with almost 40% of Angola’s population. Their traditional dress is similar to the other tribes, although western clothing is common. The women wear panos, a wraparound batik garment, while the youths prefer casual jeans and T-shirt.
Mbundu
They are known as Northern Mbundu or Ambundu, Bantu-speaking people living in the North-West of the river Kwanza. They are distinct from the Southern Mbundu or Ovimbundu.
Bakongo
The Bakongo has a strong history based on the splendour of the ancient Kongo kingdom and the cultural unity of the Kikongo language, they believe in close relationship between the unborn, the living and the dead. The Bakongo clothing is made from bark softened by pounding. Although, they have adopted the Western clothing.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN ANGOLA
The Tunda vala Fissure – one of the most spectacular sight situated in Angola. It is located at a height between Lubango and Namibe.
The Lobito – it is known for export and the harbour located in the region. It has numerous beaches.
The Arch Lagoon – it is famous for the various rock formation in the Lagoon. The nature of the Lagoon is peaceful and calm. You can also get a look at the exotic wildlife species in the area.
Ilha do Mussulo – the water is warmer than in the rest of Angola and without waves. It creates a huge lagoon-like environment in the sea.
Serra da Leba – the stunning part of the mountain is the mountain pass road with 56 curves, built during the colonial era to connect the cities of Lubango and Namibe.
Luanda – a modern city in Angola that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, with many sea ports.
Kalandula Falls – it is dubbed as the 2nd most impressive in Africa after Victoria Falls.
Iona National Park – it holds the best species of plants and animals that one can ever see
Dilolo Lake – the largest lake in Angola. There are certain mystic happenings that occur in the lake.
Dala Waterfalls – the fall capture the heart of the visitors, who come to Angola.
Candagala National Park – a small park in Angola, but it has a lot of offer in terms of flora and fauna.
The Black stones of Pungo Andongo – series of rock formations standing high above the African Savanna.
Binga Fall – the fall is very impressive in the rainy season with huge flow.
Currency Museum – a good museum with quite a few interactive features and some information.
Tundavala Gap – an enormous abyss in the mountain of Serra da Leba, located 18 km from Lubango.
MUSIC IN ANGOLA
Music of Angola is shaped both by wider musical trends and by the political history of the country. Angolan music has also influenced by the music of other Lusophone countries. Two of the most popular songs from Angola are Humbi-Hummbi and Mushima. Music is usually encounter in acappella renditions of the music popular in Angolan and Brazilian songs. Lyrics of these songs are sung in Portuguese, which is spoken by most Angolans as first or second language, alongside Bantu languages.
Musicians in Angola include;
Bonga
Anselmo Raph
Some art work in Angola
MEALS IN ANGOLA
Angola have delicious meals, although it is influenced by Portuguese cuisine
Funge – a cassava flour porridge, made by stirring cassava in boiling water, served along soup or stew.
Bolu de Ginguba – a cake meal that serves as desert.
Calulu – a stew prepared with fresh or dry fish and shrimps.
Cocada Amarela – heavy desert and pudding made from egg yolk, sugar, cinnamon and grated coconuts.
Caldeirada de Cabrito – a goat meat stew served with rice. It is a traditional dish usually served on November 11th to celebrate Angola’s independence.
Chikwanga – a traditional bread consisting of cassava flour cakes, wrapped in dry banana leaves.
Funge
Bolu de Ginguba
Calulu
Cocada Amarela
Caldeirada de Cabrito
Chikwanga
Arroz – a white rice dish, usually complemented with a variety of seafood.
Muamba de galinha – a dish made with chicken, red palm oil sauce, garlic, okra and gindungo.
Catatos – a dish made by frying caterpillars and garlic, onions, pepper and tomatoes can also be added.
Cabidela – a Portuguese dish made of rice and poultry/ game meat cooked together with animal blood.
Quizaca or kisaca – a popular vegetarian dish in Angola, made with boiled cassava leaves, mixed with ground peanut.
Piri piri – a spicy sauce, originating from Angola.
Arroz
Muamba de galinha
Catatos
Cabidela
Quizaca or kisaca
Piri piri
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN ANGOLA
Conservation in Angola is centered around the protection of the country’s bioversity and natural heritage. While Angola contains a remarkably diverse array of ecosystems and species, conservation has not been a priority for most of its history. According to United Nations, Food and Agricultural Oragnization, 46.9% or about 58,480,000 ha of Angola is forested. 128,000 ha are of planted forest. There are also reserves and a national park known as Kissama National Park, where wildlife are populated.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ANGOLA
Climate change and environmental damage are two of the most dramatic challenges facing the world today. Many countries are feeling the adverse effect of climate change and Angola is not exempted. Natural hazards in the form of flooding, erosion, drought and epidemics impede development as well, and are expected to worsen as the climate changes. Millions of southern Angola are facing an existential threat as drought increased as a result of climate change. Climate change in Angola have resulted to food scarcity, loss of lives and properties.
GENDER EQUALITY IN ANGOLA
Generally, progress on women right has been achieved. Currently, 29.6% of seats in parliament are held by women. However, work still need be done in Angola to achieve gender equality. The government is committed to empower the women and promote gender equality.
Some women of notable achievement in Angola include:
Maria Mambo – an Angolan economist and politician
Caroline Cergueira – Angolan politician, served as state Minister for Social Affairs and member of the popular movement for the liberation of Angola.
Ana Paula Cristovao – wife of the former president. She served as First Lady 1991 – 2017.
Vera Esperanca dos Santos – Angolan politician and current Minister of Finance.
Maria Mambo
Caroline Cergueira
Ana Paula Cristovao
Vera Esperanca dos Santos
Ana Dias Lourenco – current First Lady of Angola
Paula Cristina Francisco Coelho – an environmentalist who served as Angolan Minister of Environment.
Adjany Costa – Angolan marine biologist and conservationist, who served as Angolan Minister for Culture, Tourism and Environment.
Palmira Barbosa – a notable Angolan and African female handball player.
Ana Dias Lourenco
Paula Cristina Francisco Coelho
Adjany Costa
Palmira Barbosa
