Catumbela - Historians and people of culture in Benguela Province debated on Tuesday, in Catumbela Municipality, matters related to the Carnival before the country's independence, the way it is currently celebrated and the perspectives on this cultural expression, ANGOP has learnt.

Gathered in the first forum on Carnival, participants considered the carnival as a spontaneous cultural manifestation, based on the cultural roots of a people, region or country.

By debating the theme “Carnival Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, the experts said that although it was authorised by the then Portuguese colonialist regime over 150 years ago, it was always based on drums, as well as other African instruments.

They also acknowledged that just like culture develops throughout the times, the carnival has also incorporated other rhythms to dance to, as well as gained other styles of clothing. 

The first provincial forum on the analysis of the carnival in the country and in Benguela had the presence of the provincial director of culture, Mário Kachimbanga, the singer Dionísio Rocha, the jurist José Bento Cangombe, among other individuals.