× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Angola 🇦🇴 Lubango International Festival of Culture Celebrate the Lubango International of Culture, Angola. Check the dates, what to do and where to go Explore Luanda International Jazz Festival Explore Serra da Leba Pass Intro | Highlights | Map | Date of event | Where to stay? | Guide | Angola | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Lubango International of Culture The Lubango International Festival of Culture in Angola is a vibrant celebration that usually spans about a week, typically in late July. Nestled in the stunning highlands of Lubango, it draws a diverse crowd, from local families to adventurous backpackers looking to soak up the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The festival showcases a mix of Angolan music—think traditional rhythms blended with contemporary sounds—alongside dance performances and art exhibits. The vibe is electric, with a palpable sense of community and pride in Angolan heritage. While it may not be as well-known as some global festivals, it’s definitely worth checking out for those eager to experience authentic local culture and connect with fellow travelers in a unique setting. Just be prepared for some logistical challenges, like transport and accommodations, as the influx of visitors can make things a bit hectic. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Angola Travel Guide . Organized yearly : in July Duration: 10 days Get your Angola Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to do in and around Lubango International Festival of Culture Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only Open-air stages with the Huíla highlands as a backdrop — The festival often takes place in plazas and parks where the cliffs, cool air, and late-afternoon light turn performances into cinematic moments. It’s the kind of setting that makes even short songs feel epic, and gives the whole festival a relaxed, outdoor-party vibe you won’t get in a city hall. Live traditional music and dance — Expect powerful Semba, the smooth rhythms that later inspired Kizomba, and regional folk ensembles performing tight choreography and live percussion. These aren’t just staged shows; they’re energetic, participatory performances where dancers and musicians feed off the crowd. Folklore parades and costume displays — Colorful costumes, masks, and community-based rituals bring dozens of local traditions into one place. It’s a rare chance to see regional identities performed side-by-side, with storytelling, symbolic dances, and ancestral rhythms that feel rooted rather than commercialized. Handicrafts, fashion and artisan markets — Local makers set up stalls with woven textiles, carved pieces, and contemporary takes on Angolan fashion. You can watch artisans at work, haggle for a handmade souvenir, and discover small brands that mix tradition with modern design. Workshops, jams and cultural exchange — The festival emphasizes participation: dance classes, instrument workshops, open jam sessions, and artist panels give you a chance to learn a few steps, pick up rhythms, or swap stories with performers. It’s a low-pressure way to connect and leave with a real skill (or at least a good story). Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike beach festival region show all 🌤️ When to Go? When is Lubango International Festival of Culture? The Lubango International Festival of Culture in Angola usually happens in the month of September, but the exact dates can vary each year. It’s one of those festivals that can shift around, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on local announcements or social media updates as the date approaches. If you’re planning to go, be ready for a mix of music, dance, and art that really showcases the local culture. It’s vibrant and definitely a good time to mingle with locals and other travelers. Pro tip: Book your accommodations well in advance. This festival can draw a crowd, and you don’t want to end up sleeping on a park bench because all the hostels are full! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Lubango International Festival of Culture If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Angola Best quality hotels in Angola ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Angola Travel Guide Discover the best Angola has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Angola 161 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 82 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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Explore Angola Lubango International Festival of Culture isn’t the only highlight in Angola. Explore all what Angola has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Luanda, Benguela, Lobito , see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Ambriz, Catumbela, Caconda , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Tundavala Fissure, Pico de angola, M’banza-Kongo, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Bicuar, Iona, Quiçama , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Kalandula Falls, Binga Waterfall Trail, Mount Moco Trail , see all 🏖️ Beaches        Compare the top best beaches : Praia da Lua, Praia do Mussulo, Praia de Cabo Ledo, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : Luanda Carnival, Luanda International Jazz, Luanda International Film , see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Namibe Desert, Kwanza River, see all Explore Angola 0 0 0a 1 1 1a 2 2 2a 3 3 3a 4 4 4a 5 5 5a Photos of Angola: Google © ✈️ Ready to Go? Lubango International Festival of Culture FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Angola The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Angola Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Lubango International Festival of Culture? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Angola Best quality hotels in Angola What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Angola? Angola is a mix of climates and terrains, so pack for variety. It’s humid in the north with rainforests, while the south is more arid. Luanda and other coastal areas are hot and humid, so breathable clothing is key. If you’re heading inland or to the highlands, like Huambo, be ready for cooler nights. Culturally, Angolans appreciate modest dressing, especially in rural areas, so think loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Beaches are casual, but remember some places frown on swimwear away from the sand. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Angola. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts If you hit up the Lubango International Festival of Culture, be ready for a vibrant mix of music, art, and some seriously friendly locals. The best surprise? Stumbling upon a hidden jam session in a cozy café—totally unexpected and unforgettable. Just a heads-up: the crowds can get intense, so keep your wits about you. Embrace the chaos; it’s all part of the charm! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 20 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript