Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Africa. It is made up of two main islands, Sao Tome and Principe, and several smaller islets. The islands have a rich and diverse culture, with influences from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. One of the most important cultural traditions of the islands is the annual celebration of Sao Joao dos Reis, or the Kings of São Tomé.
Sao Joao dos Reis is a festival that takes place in late June or early July and celebrates the patron saint of the islands, St. John the Baptist. During this festival, the people of Sao Tome and Principe come together to celebrate the traditional culture of the islands. People dress up in traditional clothing and dance in the streets, often accompanied by music and singing. The festival is also associated with the celebration of the islands' independence, which was declared on July 12, 1975.
The festival begins with a procession of the statue of St. John the Baptist through the streets of the capital, São Tomé. This is followed by a mass at the cathedral, which is attended by the President of the Republic and other dignitaries. After the mass, the procession continues to the main square, where people gather to listen to speeches and performances.
The festival also includes traditional dances, such as the capoeira, a martial art form which combines dance, acrobatics, and music. There are also traditional foods, such as the spicy seafood stew called caldeirada, and the sweet coconut cake called bolo de côco. The festival also features a number of traditional games, such as the game of capoeira and the game of bola.
The festival ends with a fireworks display, which is followed by a traditional parade through the streets of São Tomé. The parade is led by a group of people dressed in traditional costumes, carrying flags and banners. The parade is followed by a grand finale, in which the statue of St. John the Baptist is carried through the streets while the people of the islands sing and dance in celebration.
Sao Joao dos Reis is an important part of the culture of Sao Tome and Principe, and it is a great way to experience the unique culture of the islands. The festival is a time for the people of the islands to come together and celebrate their culture and history. It is also a time to remember the islands' independence and to show their pride in their culture and traditions.