The previous evening, a musical show took place in Luanda Bay, allowing more than 20,000 city residents to enjoy performances by artists such as Ana Joice, Chelsia Dinorath, Rui Orlando, Prodigo, Anderson Mario, Kalibrados, Tsunami, Killa Hill, Jessica Pitbull, and Brother Bambila.

As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the night sky, while the provincial governor of Luanda, Luis Nunes, cut the commemorative cake for the Angolan capital’s anniversary.

The official program of celebrations, however, does not conclude with today’s activities but continues until the end of the month.

More than 100 events were planned for the celebrations, including cultural, commercial, and health fairs; sporting events, concerts, contests, and activities in schools; some promoted by the provincial government, others by civil society and municipal administrations.

The origins of Luanda date back to January 25, 1576, when the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais, under the name of Sao Paulo de Assuncao de Loanda, founded the settlement.

Today, Luanda is a province with 16 municipalities and, according to the 2024 census, is home to more than eight million people, 24.1 percent of the country’s population.

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