Quelimane Carnival, Mozambique
Bissagos Carnival, Guinea-Bissau
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Content of this article
What is the Carnival of Quelimane?
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The Quelimane Carnival is a celebration that occurs every year and attracts more than 50,000 people from all parts of the country, as well as a variety of tourists. The Carnivals of Quelimane have acquired the fame of being known as the carnivals of “Little Brazil“.
The festivities of Quelimane during Carnival are the largest in Mozambique, which in its past was aPortuguese colony. TheCarnival celebrations in Quelimane are a syncretism between African and Portuguese traditions.
Carnival participants wearbright costumes, as well as traditional African warrior costumes. Over time, theQuelimane carnivals have become more and more important, attracting tourists mostly from Brazil, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States.
The different groups at the Quelimane Carnival in a dance competition
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When is the Quelimane Carnival[/h2>?
Quelimane carnival celebrations always fall between the months of February and March.
History of the Quelimane Carnival
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During colonial times, the carnival was only celebrated in club halls and locals and was almost exclusively a celebration in which colonists and freemen participated. However, it was not until 1990 that the carnival began to take on a presence in thestreets of Qulimane. Crowds take to the avenues and main streets to participate in the group parades. Every year these festivities are celebrated asMozambique’s biggest carnival.
As is tradition, the carnivals begin on Friday following a series ofopening events in which more than 25 groups or bands from the different localities participate. Also included arecompany groups and othersmaller groups.
Where is the Quelimane Carnival
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Carnivals are celebrated in thecity of Quelimane, the administrative capital of Mozambique. Thousands of people take to the streets to celebrate with great joy the happiest and most creative season of the whole year.
People take to the stage to compete among other bands during the Quelimane carnivals
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How the Quelimane Carnival is celebrated
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The carnival of Quelimane is a celebration with a very expressive character, since most of the events are carried out through song and dance. However, there is also room for more traditional celebrations such as parades of floats and costumes. The King and Queen of the carnivals are also chosen.
During the festivities, the participants wear masks, mostly homemade, which reflect the appearance of some animals of the region. Likewise, these masks are also vehicles for protests of the events that happened during the colonization process of Mozambique, so the artifacts take on highly national and traditional elements.
Tips for going to the Quelimane Carnival
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We recommend you to plan your trip in advance, contact the different entities so you can enjoy your carnival without any altercation.
Events in Quelimane Carnival
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Quelimane Carnival takes place over two consecutive weekends. During the celebrations there are a large number ofallegorical floats that travel through the main streets and avenues of the town. Likewise, there is also the presence of the participating groups or bands wearing different typical costumes full of colors and the characteristic masks of the celebrations. The celebrations also feature the presence of great representative figures such as the King and Queen of Carnival.
The main streets and avenues are the perfect stage for the groups and bands that compete against each other under the eyes of the judges. These judges are the ones who will select the winning group for a fabulous prize.
During the celebrations popular music from Brazil is played, which is why these carnivals are known as “Little Brazil“. Thousands of people move and party not only with samba, but also with semba. In addition, in the streets you can find food and drink stands, serving local food specialties.
On the last weekend of the festivities, theburial of the carnivals is celebrated, when people dress in black and parade through the streets with a small coffin to simulate the death of the festivities. The parade is performed withcandles and crying by the participants to then return to celebrate the birth of the carnival for the following year.
The dance competitions in Quelimane are the main show during the carnivals
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Quelimane Carnival Parades
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The main parades happen on the last weekend which during the night the different groups gather to perform a great festive event. This parade is divided into two categories, that of the neighborhoods and the companies, each of these groups has 13 couples, one of these being the king and queen. The groups must dance to some random song and demonstrate their skills around the main square of the city.
Parade route
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The different groups and bands are part of the Quelimane Carnival parades
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The parades take place in the main avenue as well as in the main squares of the city.
Mucapata is a typical food that is served during carnivals
What to eat at Quelimane Carnival
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During carnival it is common to see regional dishes such as Mucapata which consists of a dish containing rice, beans and coconut. You can also eat another of the emblematic dishes such as Matapa which consists of cassava leaves, along with garlic, onion and coconut milk.
In the surroundings of the city, you can find places like Coquinha on avenida Francisco. Some other famous places like Refeba, Rei dos Frangos, Qwehli and Xeke M@te, where they offer a varied menu between local food, Portuguese, fast food and pizzas.
The Matapa is a dish made of cassava leaves, garlic, coconut milk and onion
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Travel Insurance
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What to see and do inside the Quelimane Carnival
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During the carnivals you can see the different celebrations, from theparades that function as competition between groups, to theclosing celebration of the carnivals that simulate theburial of the carnivals. You can also participate and see the food fair organized by the different locals located along the parade routes and main squares.
What to see and do outside the Quelimane Carnival
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The city of Quelimane has some tourist attractions that you can’t miss if you come to celebrate Carnival in this city.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento
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Also known as the old cathedral. Built in 1770 and 1780 by different Portuguese missions, it is part of one of the main architectural works of the city. Over the years the cathedral has fallen into oblivion, however, there are plans to start its reconstruction.
Praia Zalala
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One of the closest beaches to the city. You can go there during carnivals to take a saltwater bath. Likewise, you can bring your food and have a picnic by the sea. At 20 minutes from the beach there is a coconut plantation well known in the area. You can visit them as they sometimes offer tours and you can buy their different products.
Safety at the Quelimane Carnival
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The Quelimane area is relatively safe, however, it is advisable to follow the instructions of institutions and travel agents. Avoid going out alone and to untraveled places at night. Also, keep an eye on your surroundings and your belongings so that you do not become a victim of robbery in crowded locations. Also, we recommend the following products to keep your belongings safe:
Weather at the Carnival of Quelimane
During carnivals it is quite hot in the city of Quelimane, the temperature in the area is around 24 and 32 degrees Celsius. We recommend you to take the necessary measures for this type of weather, as well as to avoid exposure to the sun for long periods of time.
Different groups compete during the carnivals of Quelimane
How to get to Quelimane Carnival
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How to get there by plane
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The nearest airport to Quelimane is Beira Airport which is located 484 kilometers away. There are almost no means of transport to get you to Quelimane and the only option is to travel by car, so you can rent one at the airport. The condition of the highways is good, although the drive from the airport to the city of Quelimane a long trip, so you should expect at least about 8 hours of travel.
How to get there by car
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From Beira Airport, take the N282 highway until you reach the city of Quelimane. The journey takes about 8 hours, so take the necessary provisions, as well as plan the hours of travel and the stops you want to make to rest.
Transport yourself in the city
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The city of Quelimane has several cab services that you can use to move within the streets and avenues of the city. At the same time, it offers a bicycle rental service that you can use to move through its streets and avenues easily and economically.
Where to stay in Quelimane Carnival
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Zalala Beach Lodge
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The Zalala Beach Lodge is one of the best rated hotels in town. Within its facilities it has free parking, bar and restaurant. It is located a few meters from the beach and has lounges and recreational areas for children. The facilities have a family atmosphere. Each room has air conditioning, flat screen TV and private bathroom with shower and various toiletries.
We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.
Thank you for reading
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