Africa-Press – Angola. The União Recreativo do Kilamba group is preparing for the 2026 Luanda Carnival, which will take place from the 14th to the 16th of this month, with the goal of winning its fourth consecutive title in Class A.
The group from the Rangel municipality won the 2025 edition of the Carnival.
This information was released on Wednesday, in Luanda, by the group’s leader, Poly da Rocha, who stated that they are working “at full steam” since January 5th to maintain their hegemony in the elite of Luanda’s carnival.
The current holders of the Luanda Carnival crown expect to conclude their technical rehearsals on Friday (13th).
According to the source, the group worked on a historical exploration of the Luanda boulevard, based on the memories of Dionísio Rocha, the great honoree of this edition, which was prepared for the 2025 edition.
The event under the theme “Memories of Dionísio Rocha and Cidrália of yesterday and the day before yesterday”, he said that the group wants to transform two years of historical research into a visual and sound spectacle to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the emblematic group Cidrália and the 81st birthday of musician Dionísio Rocha, who acted as a consultant on the project.
Poly da Rocha explained that the parade promises to resurrect remarkable figures such as Teófilo da Costa (Cu de Palha), Fumanchu, Silvestre Estêvão (Zorro), and the composer Idalina Costa.
During the parade, the group will also represent the elite of the time, the fishermen and fishmongers of Praia do Bispo neighborhood, to the rhythm of “Old Semba” music style.
Structure and Support
To guarantee the titles retention, The União Recreativo do Kilamba mobilized a total of 850 participantes, distributed across 15 sections.
The support team includes 150 percussionists and 50 dancers dedicated to the central choreography.
The artistic direction once again counts on the collaboration of musician Dom Caetano, and the musical production is by Chicote production company.
Regarding the budget, Poly da Rocha revealed that overall production costs are around 40 million kwanzas, though mentioning some financial difficulties.
To date, the group has received a subsidy of 1 million kwanzas from the organizing committee and an equal amount from the Rangel Municipal Administration, which they consider to be insufficient.
Poly da Rocha highlighted that the parade’s viability was made possible due to the private partners and individuals who support the group.
União Recreativo do Kilamba has won the last three editions of the Luanda Carnival (2023, 2024 and 2025), consolidating itself as the main force in the current carnival festivities of the Angolan capital.
