The town of Cazombo, in the Alto-Zambeze municipality of Moxico province, was the venue for the grand closure of the 10th edition of the Luvale International Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The event was attended by national and international authorities, including the Minister of Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion, Ana Paula do Sacramento Neto, who represented President João Lourenço.

The highlight of the event was the coronation of the new Queen Nhakatolo, Ana Bela Ngambo Kaumba, who succeeded her sister, Queen Nhakatolo Tchilombo, who passed away in July 2023. The ceremony was conducted by Emperor Lunda Mwant Yava, who emphasized the importance of unity among peoples and cultural preservation as key priorities for the new queen.

Notable Attendees

Over 4,000 people attended the ceremony, which was graced by:

• Ministers and provincial governors, including Ernesto Muangala (Moxico) and José Martins (Cuando Cubango).
• Traditional leaders, such as King Ekwikwi VI of Bailundo and King Mwene Vunonge of Cuando Cubango.
• Representatives from political parties such as MPLA, PRS, and UNITA.
• Delegations from neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

Celebrating Culture and National Unity

Minister Ana Paula do Sacramento Neto highlighted the cultural significance of the ceremony and reaffirmed the message of unity, peace, and reconciliation. She stated that rituals like this demonstrate the respect for social norms and the importance of valuing Angolan traditions.

Maricel Capama, from the MPLA's Political Bureau, emphasized the party's commitment to cultural preservation and gender inclusion in leadership roles.

Queen Nhakatolo and the Future of Luvale Tradition

The new queen's mission centers on the preservation of traditions, the promotion of peace, and the development of communities. Governor Ernesto Muangala emphasized that the coronation is not just a traditional event, but also a celebration of the rich history and identity of the Luvale people. He reiterated the government's commitment to working with traditional leaders to promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of the population.

The Luvale International Festival continues to establish itself as a significant event in honoring Angola's cultural diversity, promoting tourism, and strengthening bonds between the peoples of the region.

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