Africa-Press – Angola. The vice-governor of Huíla for the technical sector and infrastructures, Hélio de Almeida, considered the Nossa Senhora do Monte Festivities as an important showcase for national and foreign companies operating in the local market to display their business and share experiences.
For the official, before the official opening of the 121st edition of the secular event, representing Governor Nuno, he said that it is an event that also establishes an opportunity to attract investments that promote the development of the province, job creation and income for youth.
He also highlighted the economic potential that the festivities bring to the region, namely Expo Huíla, the Livestock Fair, the 200 km of Huíla, the Candle and Car Procession, which, according to him, are clear examples of how the Festivities boost the local economy.
“Over the years these festivals have played a profoundly significant role in our history and culture, as well as a link to our roots by strengthening our ties and renewing our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
Hélio de Almeida appealed to citizens to make the event a moment of sharing, unity and an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion, where people from different backgrounds meet and share their joy, traditions and life stories.
He reiterated that the celebrations of the ephemeris constitute, not only the moment of celebration, but also in the daily journeys, the devotion and faith of the patron saint and inspires people to be more solidary, in the search for the common good.
In turn, the vicar of the archdiocese of Lubango, Father Maurício Kapembe, underlined that August is an important point of convergence between partnerships that seek the common good, so it is necessary to highlight the respect for the tradition of the event.
“We are proud of our traditions and the beautiful city of Lubango, its people, culture and art. At the beginning of another month of August, may your patron saint whom we evoke under the title Nossa Senhora do Monte always protect, accompany and support all your children in ways that share the children and pilgrims who run in their pilgrimages this month, reach the graces and blessings that they most need”, he pointed out.
The first edition of the Festas de Nossa Senhora do Monte, as mentioned in the Municipal Bulletin of the then Câmara de Sã da Bandeira (1971), took place on August 15, 1902.
The genesis of the event has always been the local chapel where devotees from Madeira (Portugal) asked the parish priest of S. José do Lubango, Father Manuel Pessoa, for sponsorship for the construction of the respective religious infrastructure in honor of Nossa Senhora do Monte from Funchal, precisely in 1901.
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