Holidays & Observances in Angola

Angola is located in southwest Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean. For hundreds of years it was owned by Portugal only gaining its independence in 1976. Portuguese is still the official language, and around 38% of the population still practice Portugal’s Roman Catholic religion. The country is broken up in many different tribes with different languages, cultures, and religions, so universal customs such as holidays are difficult to find. Most of the official holidays celebrate peace and freedom in Angola and throughout Africa. They have two holidays to honor soldiers who fought against the Portuguese (Memorial Day and National Heroes Day). They also celebrate International Women’s Day and World Children’s Day.